One of Kitsilano's most recognizable watering holes is entering its next chapter under new ownership, with a few nods to its past.
Bimini's Pub - likely most familiar to locals as a longtime Donnelly Group operation - is re-emerging this month as Bimini's Since 1975.
The name reflects the pub's history while new owner Harsh Sharma intends to take the bar/restaurant into the future.
Sharma is a restaurateur whose other Vancouver ventures include the Bombay Kitchen + Bar restaurants (Commercial Drive, West End) and The Main (which he took over in 2023).
'Vibrant hub for dining and entertainment'
Calling his plans for Bimini's a "revival," in an email sent to V.I.A., the endeavour "aims to restore the historic landmark to its former glory as a vibrant hub for dining and entertainment."
To that end, Bimini's will boast a renovated kitchen, a new management team, and an updated menu. Diners can visit Bimini's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch and happy hour. Menu specifics haven't been shared yet (though one of the Instagram posts on the new @biminis1975 account promises the pub will have "the best wings in town").
Bimini's will also be home to some fun programming. "A dynamic entertainment lineup will celebrate the rich history and loyal patrons that have made Bimini’s a cherished gathering place since its inception," notes the email to V.I.A. about the rebranding.
Currently, Bimini's Since 1975 says it will open mid-December (which is now) but the venue has been hosting private Christmas party events.
Several owners, identities, over past 50 years
Bimini's first opened nearly 50 years ago and served as a neighbourhood hangout for Kits residents and folks who worked across the street at what was then the Greenpeace offices, according to a 2011 Georgia Straight article. It was popular in its first decade or so but was struggling in the 1990s.
The pub "started Jeff Donnelly's career as a Vancouver entrepreneur," described the Courier in 2011. The pub once again boomed, until a fire in 2007 took Bimini's offline. It reopened in 2011 and was a Donnelly property for a few years (then it wasn't) then it was again, and, most recently, it had been an independent venture with a queer focus.
Now, under Sharma's ownership, Bimini's is poised to welcome folks for food, drinks, catching the game, some entertainment, and pub vibes.
Bimini's is located at 2010 W 4th Ave in Vancouver (Kitsilano) and will be open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
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