Repurposing iconic property
Kevin Murphy talks about plans for the 1911 Jail now that Pizza Delight has closed
Kevin Murphy sees nothing but potential in the empty shell of the former Pizza Delight outlet at the 1911 Jail on Longworth Avenue.
“We don’t have a 100 per cent idea what it's going to be ... but there will be another chapter. It’s like anything that evolves through the years,” says the president of the Murphy Hospitality Group about one of its iconic properties in Charlottetown.
“(The location) has been many things up until this year. These buildings have a lifespan, and then they repurpose. That’s basically where we are right now with the jail – how do we put something that is 2021 in there?’’
The franchise outlet closed its doors on Nov. 7, leaving the main floor of the historic building vacant. While Murphy wasn’t ready yet to talk specifics as he stood in the building’s parking lot on Thursday, he did say they’re essentially at the concept stage, just bouncing around some ideas as to what will occupy the restaurant’s former space.
Murphy also offered a bit of a clue Thursday as to what won’t be coming to the building.
“We’re getting away from (running) franchises and (instead are) doing our own brands,’’ he said, hinting that it would be something that blends with the historic neighbourhood and the adjacent winery.
“Charlottetown has these (historic) neighbourhoods. We’re excited about trying to figure out what that would be and add to the little vibe of what we have.’’
Murphy announced more than a year ago that his group wouldn’t be renewing its lease with Pizza Delight, ending a partnership that had lasted since 1990.
“We just didn’t want to sign another 10-year lease,’’ Murphy said, referring to what it would have taken to keep Pizza Delight at the location. “That was the determining factor.’’
The lease agreement with Pizza Delight expired in May.
The building still houses four apartment units on the top floor and Bar 1911 in the basement.
The employees have been offered jobs in other restaurants owned by the group.
As for the future of Pizza Delight in Charlottetown, Murphy said the franchise will continue under different management in another location in the city sometime in 2021.