Zephyr Café is officially back.
Many locals were devastated when the long-time local eatery announced it would be permanently closing in fall 2023 after a lease increase.
There was a petition that garnered more than 4,000 signatures, online forums lamenting the loss and, of course, chatter around town about how it would change the shape of downtown.
"It was devastating to lose that community place downtown," said Jessica Rigg, operations manager at the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG). "But Trickster's [Hideout] and other cafés have stepped up to be a gathering space [downtown]. It's nice to see culture, community and food growing and successful throughout town."
Rigg was only part of the restaurant as a friend and patron, but she and Adrian Blachut, who bought Zephyr back in 2013, partnered to buy the Brackendale Art Gallery after founder Thor Froslev's passing.
And as of Monday, Jan. 20, they're officially transforming the BAG's restaurant into Zephyr at The BAG.
"It's been interesting for me to see the impact and excitement in the community for this space and idea," Rigg said. "I could not have anticipated [the] support and excitement."
It's been in the works for some time. But after opening the BAG in April 2024, the priority was hosting events—which they have now done 400 times.
"Getting the event side up and running, we can say we've successfully established that," Rigg said.
But the last piece of the puzzle fell into place when they hired chef Jeremy Meakins.
"We're trying to bring the best parts of Zephyr and what it meant to people while growing it into a new and exciting food service—a wider menu, bringing in flavours from all around the world," Rigg said.
While the menu will be new and inclusive—with vegan and gluten-free options, even a Celiac-friendly fryer—it promises to offer some of the staples from the old days, too.
"We're going to bring back some of the classic favourites people love—Zephyr dressing, the cookies, and other dishes—but take the menu to the next level," Rigg added. "We'll be able to offer community dining, themed dinners, take-out for families."
The restaurant will be open daily, including during events. "We're going to be in this unique position, if you're coming after 6 p.m. or on a day with an event, check out what events are happening. Those are going to continue in the BAG, the workshops and the music will continue to be prominent … No matter what's happening, the kitchen is always open."
The venue also has the benefit of space. For his part, Blachut will get to realize his dream of having a rooftop patio on which to serve restaurant patrons, Rigg said.
"There's always a place to come and bring your computer or games," she said. "There's gardens, a rooftop patio—that was something Adrian always dreamed about having at Zephyr. We're also paying homage to a historic venue with a huge past and community connection. Instead of reopening in a brand new building or replicating what was downtown, let's take what was amazing and special about that place and pair it with what was amazing and special about the BAG."
Check out the new menu at zephyrcafe.ca.
