Jamieson Kerr talks about selling Crush and opening a second Queen and Beaver-esque pub
After eight years as owner and operator of Crush Wine Bar, Jamieson Kerr has decided to sell the once-French, now-British King West bistro in order to focus on his growing family and the Queen and Beaver—his Elm Street gastropub that opened last spring. “I’ve been spending six nights a week at Crush, and I felt it was time to give a bit of time back to my family,” Kerr tells us. “A great offer came my way, to be honest. We all know that the economy was tough on large fine-dining restaurants, and I managed to hold my own, but when this offer came along, it was worth looking at.”
Crush was purchased by the Niagara-on-the-Lake company Lais Hotel Properties (the comfort masters behind Pillar and Post and Queen’s Landing), which will maintain the name, look and feel of the place. Almost all of the staff will remain, too, including chef Michael Wilson, ensuring that the menu won’t undergo any drastic changes, either. “They might spend some money on a patio and private dining rooms,” says Kerr, adding that, down the line, Lais “plans to expand the brand.”
Kerr seems confident of two things: that Crush is in good hands and that the Queen and Beaver will have continued success. He even confirmed rumours that he plans to open another location, which he hopes is operational by the end of the year. Stay tuned.
, which will maintain the name, look and feel of the place. Almost all of the staff will remain, too, including chef Michael Wilson, ensuring that the menu won’t undergo any drastic changes, either. “They might spend some money on a patio and private dining rooms,” says Kerr, adding that, down the line, Lais “plans to expand the brand.”
Kerr seems confident of two things: that Crush is in good hands and that the Queen and Beaver will have continued success. He even confirmed rumours that he plans to open another location, which he hopes is operational by the end of the year. Stay tuned.){kind=link}
Long live the Queen!
After reading the review in the Globe and Mail I decided along with a friend to check out The Queen & Beaver on Elm Street. Being a Brit with an Aussie friend we like a good pub.
Unfortunately the management on the night were not in tune with looking after new customers. A friday evening at 6:00 p.m.
I asked to sit at the bar and was told the spots were taken (although at the time there were three spots open) but there was a bar upstairs that I could try. Upstairs was full however. I went downstairs again and was told by a pleasant staff member that she would find something in a moment. Another male staff member then asked me if I was dining. I said we didn’t know we were just checking the Q & B out and wanted to get a drink. The dining room was virtually empty at the time, however, I was told that tables were for diners. I said OK I’ll go somewhere else. We then went up to the Oxley and had a drink at their bar. Nice place! When I shared our experience at Q & B with the floor manager ( who of course new Q & B)he was amazingly non-chalant and unapologetic. Needless to say I have shared this experience with several friends.
Having had a career in sales I was amazed at the short sightedness of staff for a new establishment in a highly competitive market.