Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Garrison Bistro announced on New Year's Day (January 1, 2024) that it will be temporarily closed for renovations and emerge with an innovative concept, a fresh menu, and a brand-new identity, with plans to open in early spring 2024 under the branded name of District Bar Restaurant. The restaurant had switched ownership in February 2023. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Garrison Bistro

Garrison Bistro in Chilliwack to undergo name change with a fresh new look and menu, roughly a year after it changed ownership

Jan 1, 2024 | 10:10 AM

CHILLIWACK — Less than a year after former owners Greg and Sheila Robinson announced in February 2023 that they had sold their dining establishment in Garrison, Garrison Bistro says it will undergo a name change and temporarily close to make way for a new branded restaurant.

According to a Facebook post dated 7:55 a.m. on Monday, January 1, the ownership behind Garrison Bistro says it will temporarily close for renovations as it transitions to District Bar Restaurant.

“New Year, New Look! As we bid farewell to 2023, we’re thrilled to make this official announcement. Starting January 1st, we’ll be temporarily closed for renovations, emerging with an innovative concept, a fresh menu, and a brand-new identity,” Garrison Bar/District Bar Restaurant wrote on Facebook. “District Bar Restaurant will be opening in early spring 2024. We are counting down the days and looking forward to welcoming you soon!”

The current owners of Garrison Bistro reportedly have a business under the same name of District Bar Restaurant at 121 Robson Street in Vancouver.

In February 2023, Garrison Bistro announced a change of ownership after Greg and Sheila Robinson had owned it for over a decade.

CP NewsAlert: Court dismisses application to stop B.C. ostrich cull over avian flu

18h ago

Second dead grey whale washes ashore in B.C. in less than a week

18h ago

Local cinema to close

Chilliwack movie theatre to close its doors for good

18h ago

“We are so thankful to our community and have been excited to share the news of new owners taking over at Garrison Bistro!” Garrison Bistro wrote on Facebook in February 2023. “Lots of thought and consideration went into our decision and we are so happy to leave our staff and business in such great hands. Thank you to everyone who has supported us all of these years.”

Garrison Bistro bills itself as an award-winning bistro offering modern cuisine at affordable prices and utilizing local produce.

At the time of the ownership change, the Robinsons said customers shouldn’t expect significant changes once the new ownership takes over soon.

“You can expect the same great food and service and all the familiar faces you’ve come to know after all these years,” Greg and Sheila wrote. “After over 11 years, we have officially sold Garrison Bistro.”

They cited a desire to spend more time with family, which can be extremely difficult given the long hours and pressures associated with running a restaurant.

“We cannot thank our community enough for your love and support, but the time has come to slow down and spend more time with our family,” Greg and Sheila wrote.