One of Kelowna’s most popular breweries and food establishments is ready to expand its Okanagan footprint.
BNA Brewing Co. announced this weekend, in the midst of its ninth birthday celebrations, that work is underway on a brand new Vernon location set to open later this year.
The downtown Kelowna brewery was the start of a mini empire for Kyle and Carolyn Nixon and the Nixon Hospitality Group.
Since BNA Brewing opened nine years ago, the group has expanded the brewery in major ways and opened other downtown businesses like Skinny Duke’s Glorious Emporium and Bernie’s.
They’ve also taken over a pair of beloved Okanagan establishments in Snowshoe Sam’s at Big White and The Bohemian Café on Bernard Avenue.
Now, they’ll make their mark on Vernon’s restaurant scene with the opening of a second BNA location, something Kyle says they’re “so excited” for.
“For us, it starts with a great space, and we are very fortunate to have been provided an opportunity to build out a unique spot here in Vernon,” Kyle, a former Vernon Vipers hockey player, explained.
Work is already underway to transform a half-century-old industrial building on Kalamalka Lake Road, which locals will recognize as the old Finning building near the north end of the Okanagan Rail Trail.
“We love the two levels and the industrial roots of this building as it provides a completely different, yet somehow familiar feel and experience to the brick and timber we have in Kelowna,” said Carolyn.
One of the most exciting features of the Kelowna location is the bowling alley and patrons can expect the same thing in Vernon, along with a retro-inspired arcade and outdoor bocce court.
Kyle, who played 16 games for the Vipers during the 1999-2000 BCHL season, said he’s looking forward to spending more time in the North Okanagan city.
“I have fond memories of this place and made great friends in Vernon,” he said. “The people have already been so supportive of BNA, so we can’t wait to bring what we do to town and hopefully make an impact in a positive way.”
BNA Brewing’s Vernon location is expected to open in the fall, and it's not the only project the Nixon Hospitality group currently has on its plate.
Kyle, Carolyn and company are currently in the application process as they try to open a "saloon-style speakeasy" to the second floor of BNA Brewing in Kelowna.
