Three new businesses set to open in Chilliwack over the next week

In-person recruiting sessions were held for over a week in the early part of November ahead of the tentative grand opening date.

Founded in 1995, Montana’s BBQ & Bar serves steak, ribs and most everything you’d expect from a smokehouse-type venue.

Montana’s has eight locations in B.C., 17 in Alberta, 14 in the Prairies (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) and 47 in Ontario.

“Our Chilliwack restaurants boast a casual and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with friends and family while you cheer on your favourite teams,” Montana’s wrote on its website. “With TVs to catch the game, a lively vibe, daily deals and drink specials, we’re Chilliwack’s game day headquarters. Plus, our kids menu and welcoming Q-Crew staff ensure everyone has a great time.”

When it comes to what food it will offer, its lunch menu consists of items you might expect – like a chicken club wrap, BBQ lunch trio (soup, salad and your choice of a half sandwich – pulled pork, chicken club wrap or upgrade to a brisket sandwich), a burger and pork back ribs.

Image: Montana’s / Lunchtime menu.

Combos are its bread and butter. There’s an ultimate appetizer combo (wings, pita, nacho chips, oven-baked antojitos, and deep-fried pickles), a Southern BBQ combo (12 pieces of smoked ribs, 8 chicken wings, mac and cheese, coleslaw, seasoned fries and cornbread muffins), and a steak combo (steak, onion rings, fries or house salad, baked beans or coleslaw).

Image: Montana’s / Combos.

Once it opens, the Chilliwack location will be the second Montana’s in the Fraser Valley. The next nearest location is in Langley.

Another business plans to open its doors to customers this week. Gong Cha Chilliwack at 46135 Yale Road plans to open this Friday, Nov. 28, according to its Instagram page. The business sells all types of bubble tea.

The company was founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Gong Cha translates to “tribute tea for the emperor.” The store features fresh tea brewed throughout the day, pearls (bubbles) freshly prepared, internationally sourced tea and what it calls “strict quality controls” for all ingredients.

“Gong cha is known across the world for its signature Milk Foam. Its creamy, sweet and savory flavor balance and whipped texture make it the perfect complement to our freshly brewed teas,” the company’s website said. “Our delicious milk foam is hand-crafted for each customer and made from the freshest milk and highest quality, signature ingredients.”

Image: Instagram / Gona Cha Chilliwack plans to open this Friday, Nov. 28 at 46135 Yale Road in downtown Chilliwack.

The third business planning to open over the next week is Serene Stay & Play Café at 107-7491 Vedder Road, near Staples. Alfred Sawatzky told Fraser Valley Today on Sunday that he and his wife Jenny tentatively hope to open on Monday, December 1 at 11 a.m.

Serene Stay & Play Café will feature board games, billiards, coffee and light meals in a convenient community hub. The venue is designed to be a welcoming space for families and game enthusiasts alike. Unlike traditional early-morning coffee shops, Serene Stay & Play Café is tailored to those looking for relaxation, connection, or just recreation. Guests can enjoy a rich menu of coffee and light meals while exploring a library of over 300 board games, with plans to expand the collection in the months ahead once they open.

Image: Jenny Sawatzky / The interior of Serene Stay & Play Cafe under construction from over a month ago.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Three new businesses set to open in Chilliwack over the next week

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