You may think you're stepping back into time when you walk into the new Port Moody Wings Restaurant at 2414 St. Johns St.
With its half-timbered Tudor style facade, the 1930s era roadhouse, formerly called the Burrard Hotel, looks like something out of an old movie.
But the heritage building is now the home to Metro Vancouver's newest Wings franchise, where you can try out a huge selection of wings from hot to sweet, as well as entrées like spaghetti and meatballs, teriyaki chicken, and perogies with bacon.
Chandan Gill, the general manager of the family-owned business, says he’s thrilled to be in an historic building and is pleased at the community response to the new restaurant.
There's even a large black and white photo of the former Burrard Hotel on the wall.
"People are warm, the area is beautiful and there’s a lot of heritage," Gill told the Tri-City News.
Family business
He runs the restaurant with his brother, Garry, who is the owner. The two grew up at the Wings in Abbotsford, owned by their parents, where they learned the ropes of running an eatery.
Inside, Port Moody Wings has all the hallmarks of a west-coast style restaurant, with a large bar featuring 23 lines of beer, many of them local craft beers, comfy booths, more than a dozen TVs featuring sports games, and a DJ, who will play music on Friday and Saturday nights.
"We want this to be a place where people come and have fun," said Gill.
It took longer than planned to open the restaurant because of water damage from burst pipes during the recent winter cold snap. In fact, Gill said his family has spent a year on getting the restaurant ready.
On Wednesday (May 31), the Gills were finally able to open their doors. They hosted a reception for civic leaders and suppliers to give them a taste of the globally-inspired food menu.
Soft opening hours for the general public, beginning at 4 p.m., start today (June 1).
In addition to wings, the restaurant offers a number of new menu items, including:
Far West Rice Bowl
- jasmine rice, sriracha lime aioli, pickled onions, sesame seeds, matchstick carrots, pineapple teriyaki and green onions, with a choice of grilled chicken or crispy tofu
Country Style Perogies
- pan seared swiss, cheddar, mozzarella + potato filled perogies topped with smokehouse bacon, caramelized onions + green onions, served with sour cream
Meatball Marinara
- oven roasted beef meatballs, tomato sauce, linguine noodles + parmesan cheese
Peanut Butter Blondie
- chewy blonde brownie with chocolate ganache, peanut butter mousse, mini peanut butter cups and peanuts
During soft opening hours the restaurant will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight during the week and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, with 11 a.m. opening hours once the soft opening is concluded.
You can visit Wings' website for updated hours, menu and directions.
Chandan said diners can also look forward to dinner and lunch specials.
