The former home of a long-standing go-to spot for drinks, dining, and dancing is set to enter a fresh chapter as a Spanish-inspired bar-restaurant with live entertainment.
Called Osita, the new concept is taking shape inside the old home of Federico's Supper Club, which shuttered in spring 2020 after a 20-plus year run at 1728 Commercial Drive.
Federico's owner Federico Fuoco was vocal at the time about what prompted the closure, citing a number of profound financial challenges compounded by the COVID-19 crisis, including a "completely uncooperative" landlord.
After two years of being dark, however, there are fresh signs of life at the location thanks to the forthcoming Osita.
"Osita is a blend of west coast comfort and Spanish-inspired flavours and service," describes project designer Jennifer Lynch of J Lynch Studio.
The venue is an extension of Osito, which is an electronic music events company "dedicated to creating platforms for local artistic expression." While Lynch partnered with Jesse Sugarman to create Osito, she is not part of the team behind the forthcoming Osita.
"Osita is owned and operated by Jesse Sugarman solely (along with two investors), and is also the mastermind behind the restaurant design and menu concept. Sugarman is also one of the owners of The Charlatan on Commercial Drive," indicates Lynch.
For Sugarman, then, Osita marks his second restaurant venture and first solo project, described as "a dream he has been chasing since Lynch and Sugarman met in 2016."
At this stage, not much has been shared about what will be on the menu at Osita, though the website promises "creative cocktails" and "fabulous food," and projects a spring 2022 opening.
Editor's note: This article originally indicated Lynch was involved in Osita; the story has been updated with corrected information.
