Boston Pizza Serves Up an Urban Store Design in Downtown Vancouver

Family-friendly atmosphere, unique décor and delicious food on the menu for Guests in the Stadium and Theatre Districts

VANCOUVER, Oct. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Boston Pizza International Inc. today proudly opened the doors of its 61^st location in British Columbia at 808 Beatty St. in downtown Vancouver. The new restaurant is Boston Pizza's first foray into the urban concept in British Columbia and features 275 seats, 6,000 square-feet of space, and an outdoor patio. Boston Pizza Stadium District is the first of two urban concepts, the second is Boston Pizza Theatre District located at Hornby & Smithe and is set to open mid-November.

"The Vancouver locations have been specifically chosen to accommodate two groups of people who have been underserved in downtown Vancouver until now - the urban family and the avid sports fan," says Alan Howie, Executive Vice President Operations, Boston Pizza International. "The new store design will make guests feel like they're in a downtown, urban restaurant and bar, but they can count on the same signature food and great experience that Boston Pizza is known for across the country."

Boston Pizza's new urban design concept has a host of exciting décor enhancements including a stunning bar, a 291-inch, custom made curved HD projection screen, making it the largest television in Vancouver; a state-of-the-art sound and A/V system; and a completely redesigned sports bar that will give the space a unique atmosphere for different Vancouver sports teams and makes it easy to catch all the action from any seat at the bar.

"In our industry adaptability can be a game changer. We noticed a gap in Vancouver's dining options for the urban family, and saw a real opportunity to fill that void by combining a family-friendly atmosphere with a modern, urban setting," said Howie.

Boston Pizza Stadium District (808 Beatty St.) and Boston Pizza Theatre District (Hornby & Smithe) are owned by the Donnelly Group. Chad Cole is the Operating Partner for the Boston Pizza Stadium District and Mike Anastasi is the Operating Partner for the Boston Pizza Theatre District. The new restaurants create more than 160 new jobs and will play an active role in the local community.

"I'm really looking forward to bringing my experience as a general manger with the Donnelly Group with me to Boston Pizza and this new urban concept in downtown Vancouver," says Cole. "The team we have in place is ready to bring a combination of great food and service to our Guests. The Boston Pizza experience is a fantastic experience and I am thrilled to bring it to the Stadium District community."

The new restaurant will carry on the Boston Pizza tradition of giving back to the community.  As part of the restaurants grand opening celebrations, Boston Pizza Stadium District (808 Beatty St.) donated $2000 which was collected from all of the gratuities during its dress rehearsals to the BC Children's Hospital.

About Boston Pizza
Boston Pizza International Inc. is Canada's No. 1 casual dining brand with more than 360 restaurants in Canada. In 2014 Boston Pizza celebrates 50 great years since opening our first location in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964. Annually, Boston Pizza serves more than 40 million guests. The company has been recognized as a Platinum Member of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. Boston Pizza believes that strong role models inspire kids to be great, and in 2014, the Boston Pizza Foundation created Future Prospects to help support organizations that mentor kids to reach their full potential. Boston Pizza International Inc. is located in Richmond, B.C. and has regional offices in Mississauga, Ontario and Laval, Quebec. For more information, visit http://www.bostonpizza.com.

SOURCE: Boston Pizza International Inc.

For further information: Perry Schwartz, Director of Communications, Boston Pizza International, 905-361-3616, [e-mail]; Kelly Ornelas, High Road, 416-644-2235, [e-mail]