Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / Whiskey Richard's Bar and Lounge owner Richard Tam (left), Abigail Montalvo, Influent Group vice president for hospitality, and Brian Coombes of Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, take part in the first cutting of a roast pig Saturday at Whiskey Richard's, an elegant bar and lounge at 45886 Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack. It is attached to the Royal Hotel.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Whiskey Richard's grand opening

Whiskey Richard’s celebrates grand opening of its downtown Chilliwack lounge

Apr 8, 2023 | 5:41 PM

CHILLIWACK — Following months of renovations, menu revisions, and cocktail testing, Whiskey Richard’s Bar and Lounge observed its grand opening with a celebration befitting the occasion Saturday (Apr. 8).

Performers from a Chinese lion dance group in Vancouver helped christen the launch of Whiskey Richard’s, the newest addition to the downtown landscape at 45886 Wellington Avenue, during a weekend reception on the premises of the Royal Hotel.

While Whiskey Richard’s officially opened on Friday, April 7, owner Richard Tam marked the occasion Saturday with a roast pig luncheon and cultural performance from Chau Luen Athletics in Vancouver. He was accompanied by Abigail Montalvo, vice president of hospitality for the Influent Group, and Brian Coombes from CEPCO.

Coombes, who was representing Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, the agency instrumental in bringing Molson Coors to Chilliwack along with the forthcoming arrival of Red Bull, said the lounge’s renovation exemplified a significant change in the downtown core.

“We handle economic development and downtown revitalization on behalf of the city of Chilliwack,” Coombes told the crowd gathered Saturday. “I bring greetings from the city of Chilliwack. Welcome all of you as special guests into the community. Congratulations from CEPCO to Richard, Abigail, and their team. I know there’s been a lot of different people that have worked behind the scenes to make today possible. We’re very excited about what is happening downtown. Investments like this into this facility, I know, have a lot of people excited. I certainly thank you for all you’re doing in the downtown.”

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Tam expressed thanks to Coombes and the city of Chilliwack in his remarks.

“You’ve always been very supportive, Brian, and the city of Chilliwack has always been open for business,” Tam said. “We’re very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of this historic hotel. There’s a lot of past history here. Of course, we respect the history and the charm, but we sort of want to reinvigorate and create new ideas. With the help of our really talented team, we’ve actually renovated this space over the past several months. I’m really thankful for all of you.”

Montalvo, Influent Group VP for hospitality, said she hopes the lounge will take up the banner of being Chilliwack’s destination for get togethers.

“We’re looking to create a space for Chilliwack residents to enjoy the surroundings and the premium whiskey, at a comfortable price point,” Montalvo said. “We’d like to take up the banner of being Chilliwack’s watering hole with an elevated sense of service, somewhere you can come and enjoy time with your friends, or host a private event, and you’re not going to break the bank.”

A stage in the rear of the lounge has been refinished; Whiskey Richard’s welcomed a pianist, cellist and violinist from Seattle during Saturday’s ribbon cutting grand opening.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML

A piano that dates back to the early 20th century has been tuned up by a Fraser Valley piano specialist, Darren Lambert. A newly installed fireplace makes the interior space more inviting and alluring.

“We’ve taken very close attention to detail; every aspect flows well and is a piece of art itself,” Montalvo said. “That’s why we installed the fireplace and the comfortable lounges. We want you to sit here and spend a lot of time here where you can cut loose and let go of the stresses. We want to make sure customers have a good time, and that our staff are making eye contact and knowing what drink they want to have. We just want you to have a good time every time you come through. With our performance stage, we’re looking forward to supporting the arts, hosting comedians, and all sorts of live performers so that Chilliwack residents have a place to partake in something special and not have to drive to Vancouver. They can get a taste of the arts here.”

Matt Laprise, who was instrumental as a project manager during the renovation, will now assume bartending duties Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight at the lounge. Originally from Ontario, Laprise moved to Chilliwack in the latter half of 2022 to work on the extensive renovation.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / Matt Laprise was the project manager involved in renovating Whiskey Richard’s Bar and Lounge. He moved to Chilliwack in the latter half of 2022 to get involved in the extensive interior renovations. He’ll now be bartending Thursday through Saturday at Whiskey Richard’s.

“We’ve unwrapped the pillars and stained them; the backsplash wasn’t there before,” Laprise said in describing the extent of the renovations. “The floors are all original. The beams are all original. The tables are all handmade. The bathrooms have epoxy floors. There’s custom wood, new trim, and new furniture. To be honest with you, it’s like night and day.”

Montalvo said the food menu will consist of seasonal offerings and local suppliers, handheld items, charcuterie items, and similar offerings.

“We’re looking to reach out to the local suppliers to incorporate their goods into our dishes,” Montalvo said. “We want it to be as fresh as possible.”