An upscale sports bar-style restaurant known for its menu of burgers and beers has closed one of its two Vancouver locations.
Bells and Whistles on Dunbar had its last day of business on Sunday, October 6, according to James Iranzad, president of operators Gooseneck Hospitality.
The restaurant was the second Bells and Whistles outpost and opened its doors in August 2020 at 4497 Dunbar St.
Iranzad tells V.I.A. by phone that "it was a happy ending as far as closures go," explaining that Gooseneck took the opportunity to take over the then-vacant former Dunbar Public House space back in mid-2020 as a way to "bring a little positivity" and do a restaurant opening amidst the struggles of the pandemic.
However, while Bells and Whistles was on a five-year lease, it also had a demo clause, and the landlord has expressed interest in redeveloping the property.
To that end, says Iranzad, Bells and Whistles Dunbar couldn't enjoy long-term security at the location. Further, the business owner says the building needs some improvements the landlord was not willing to invest in, making an earlier departure more appealing for the burgers and beer operation.
While there was no online announcement of Bells and Whistles' closure on Dunbar, Iranzad says the restaurant's regulars and suppliers knew, and many friends of the business were able to enjoy a final weekend of merriment at the venue before the torch was passed on to another business owner.
Dunbar space set to become an Irish pub under new owners
Two weeks ago, the keys to the space were handed off to its next proprietors, IRL Group. The local business, run by construction business professionals, specializes in Irish-style pubs and operates Vancouver spots like Donnellan's, Smith's of Gastown, and the Shamrock Bar. IRL Group plans to use their construction expertise to do some renovations at 4497 Dunbar to turn the space into a second outpost of its Shamrock Bar for a winter debut.
For its part, Gooseneck has had a busy year so far, with both of its River District restaurants, Bufala and Lucky Taco, having later-than-planned debuts in quick succession. Iranzad says the focus is on seeing those new spots through their first winter, with plans in motion to add a patio for Bufala there to debut in spring 2025.
The River District's Lucky Taco is the second location for the Mexican-inspired lively hangout, while it's the third for Bufala, which began in Kerrisdale before crossing the inlet to the North Shore a few years ago for a second venue.
Original Bells and Whistles going strong on Fraser Street
And, of course, there's the original Bells and Whistles, which opened in fall 2017 on Fraser Street, which is tailored for guests who not only enjoy watching sports but also enjoy thoughtfully prepared food with craft brews and ciders.
The OG Bells and Whistles is open weekdays from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner and weekends from 10 a.m. for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The menu includes several burgers and sandwiches, including their popular all-day breakfast burger, as well as loaded fries, fried pickles and other sides, salads, and house-made soft-serve ice cream desserts.
Iranzad says that any of the former Dunbar Bells and Whistles staff who wanted to carry on with Gooseneck were able to secure posts at the other restaurants.
And while you may soon see an "appreciation post" for the Dunbar staff, customers, and neighbourhood on social media, he says he feels at ease with the decision to bring that chapter to its end now.
"We thought [opening a Bells and Whistles on Dunbar] would be a fun thing to do," recalls Iranzad. "And it was!"
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