The space at 3305 Cambie St has been vacant since the end of 2022, when Biercraft wrapped up its run at the corner of 17th Avenue.
Now comes word a new chapter is unfolding for the space and it's in the hands of some Vancouver cocktail royalty.
The team behind the award-winning Keefer Bar is opening June, a brasserie with a French-inspired menu and cocktails by The Keefer Bar.
June is positioned as a "family-friendly dining experience," according to a typed note of intro the business has posted at the venue.
It appears the initial name for the concept was Wilma, according to a business licence application submitted by W & H Entertainment. The W and H are Keefer Bar's Cameron Watt and Keenan Hood, respectively.
Another name tied to June is Connor Sperling, who will be the restaurant's chef. Sperling, who left his Chef de Cuisine post at Michelin-starred Published on Main at the start of the year, was the 2017 Hawksworth Young Chef competition winner. In the national culinary showdown, Sperling represented Vancouver and Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
In addition to June, The Keefer Bar's Watt has ties to the beautiful bar/restaurant at the popular high-end Acre resort in Mexico's San Jose del Cabo.
Earlier this year, The Keefer Bar returned to the list of North America's 50 Best Bars.
The Keefer Bar crew have been working on adding to its portfolio in recent years; they were initially tapped to take over the ex-Prohibition space under the Rosewood Hotel Georgia to open The Herrick. Those plans did not pan out and wound up in court, ultimately opening a pathway for Prophecy to slide in and for June to take shape.
While June's licence is pending (under the name Wilma), it is for a restaurant only. According to area residents, information was sent out in the community regarding the business' intent to pursue not only a liquor licence but to also incorporate dancing and live entertainment, with a capacity of 180 indoors and 40 more patio seats.
The venture is part of a period of growth for the Cambie Village area, which recently saw the debut of Osteria Savio Volpe's buzzy sibling, Elio Volpe, right around the corner on 17th Avenue.
June is looking to be open this fall and has set up an Instagram account at @juneoncambie.
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