Doc’s doubling capacity
Photo: Contributed
Say goodbye to Doc Willoughby’s.
New owners say they expect to change the name of Kelowna’s popular downtown pub when it reopens following extensive renovations.
Owners suggested the name change within a liquor license application to facilitate an expansion of the pub.
“They are proposing to expand the licensed area up to the level above the mezzanine,” the application states.
“In addition, they are planning to run the upstairs as a multi-function area, presenting live entertainment and film viewings in a setting unlike many others. They also intend to schedule comedy nights and offer this unique space to those interested in planning a private personal or corporate events.”
At present, Doc’s has an indoor capacity of 150 within the main floor and mezzanine with another 28 on the outdoor patio.
The second floor expansion would be more than double indoor capacity to 305.
The Nixons, who also operate BNA Brewing and Skinny Duke’s, bought Doc Willoughby’s in May of last year.
After enduring several “operational restrictions” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they say they were forced to “rethink their style of operation, and come up with some creative ideas to remain as a feasible business in an ever evolving and challenging hospitality industry. “
This led to the renovation and planned expansion.
The application does not include a request to change operating hours, currently set at 9 am to 2 am
