The owners of a Shuswap brewery have their eyes on a downtown Salmon Arm location for a future family-friendly operation.
Salmon Arm council voted at its Feb. 12 meeting to support a B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) application from Ricochet Brewing’s Marc and Meaghan Zaichkowsky. The couple, who opened their home-based brewery in Sunnybrae in 2022, plan to open the Ricochet Brewing Taphouse at 310 Hudson Ave. NE – in the former Barton Insurance location at the Ross Street intersection.
The Zaichkowsky’s propose renovating the existing commercial space to create a pub with 56 seats inside, and outdoor patio seating with another 27 seats. Planned hours of operation would be from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday.
A staff report explained the proposed use is supported by city zoning and, as the commercial space would be less than 1,858 square metres, off-street parking would not have to be provided.
In addition to the staff report, council received a letter of intent from the Zaichkowskys. In it, the couple explain the proposed taphouse is “not merely about placing our beer in front of customers; it is also dedicated to supporting other local beverage manufacturers and businesses within the Salmon Arm area.”
“310 Hudson Avenue is a prime location for our vision…,” said the Zaichkowskys. “By bringing our taphouse to this prominent location, we aim to create a hub that fosters community, celebrates local craftsmanship and contributes to the overall economic vitality of downtown Salmon Arm.”
The Zaichkowskys said the taphouse would be a family-friendly environment, welcoming of minors. It would offer a menu with hot and cold dishes, non-alcoholic beverages and a kids’ menu.
“Recognizing the scarcity of locations that cater to families while offering a diverse menu, we envision our establishment as a convenient mid-afternoon stop for snacks and beverages suitable for all ages,” said the Zaichkowskys, who also plan to have live music on tap with small-scale indoor performances.
“Being a guy that’s been in insurance for 37-38 years, this is much more vibrant than an insurance office,” commented Coun. Kevin Flynn. “I think that’s what it was for years… I welcome it, I’m excited for it and glad to hear it’s going to have a patio as well.”
In addition to supporting the application referred to the city by the LCRB, council also voted in support of the city opting out of the related comment and consultation process (Coun. David Gonella did not particpate due to a potential conflict of interest.)
“We’ve been waiting for something like this for a while and I think the residents of Salmon Arm have been,” said mayor Alan Harrison. “I think the location is almost perfect because it stretches that downtown Salmon Arm a little bit further over as Anvil Coffee has and several other businesses in that area.”
Read more: Shuswap couple ricochet from injury to launch new home-based brewery
Read more:New Salmon Arm business Choose Refill ready to launch