Stay tuned to social media for sneak peeks behind the curtains as 1550’s pub-style restaurant officially turns into The Rack West Coast Bistro to kick off 2024.
Closed for renovations on Jan. 2, the Saanich restaurant addressed swirling rumours with an early December social media post.
“I can now confirm that I have sold my business. After 30 years of owning 1550’s restaurant, it is time for me to pass the torch to someone else,” Keith Campbell wrote.
“It has been a lifetime of meeting wonderful people within our neighborhood and making friendships that will last a lifetime. Without your support, we could never have done it.”
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Those online reminisced and raved about Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, the always-popular in Greater Victoria weekend brunch – and one living funeral at the eatery at 1550 Cedar Hill Cross Rd.
“Thank you for being the ‘local’ for all our family gatherings. From mom and dad’s Friday night meals out, to family birthdays, and to a most memorable and amazing Dixieland Jazz funeral Mom organized for Dad’s 65th birthday,” wrote Mark Blaseckie. “It was a memory that he cherished for the rest of his days.”
Campbell thanked those same customers, often with personalized reply, for “a lifetime of wonderful experiences” assuring them he’s sticking around a bit to work with the restaurant to ensure an easy transition for staff, customers and the new owners.
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“The new owners are well-versed in the restaurant business, and I truly believe that their model will be a positive one for our community,” Campbell wrote.
The goal is to reopen on Jan. 9 with a “new look, menu and feature nights.”
With a location in Langford, it will be the second The Rack bistro.
