Ottawa-based pub chain toasts 35 successful years
The Royal Oak marks a major milestone next week when the chain of British-style pubs turns 35.
And with 12 locations across the national capital employing 350 people, it is releasing a specially brewed British Mild-style ale in homage to its British-themed origins and in recognition of growing demand for local brews. It’s being brewed by Ottawa’s Kichesippi Beer Co.
“It’s just great to tie together these two local companies,” said Royal Oak chief executive Jonathan Hatchell. “Local is important these days.”
Company president John Howard said when the pub started out in 1980, it served the usual beers from the major Canadian brewers. Later, though, it was among the first to offer other brands, such as Alexander Keith’s and many of the Belgian brands, including Leffe.
It’s not the first time the pub has changed to cater to a more educated palette. After the province banned smoking at indoor establishments in the 2000s, the business needed another draw, and with Ottawa’s rising foodie culture, the Royal Oak revamped its offerings.
Howard, who in the late 1970s was a part-time drummer who held a day job at Transport Canada, was inspired by European pubs while touring there.
“I just thought, this is exactly what Canada needs. In the 1980s, there were very few pubs in all of Ontario. Even the regulator didn’t want us calling ourselves a pub. They wouldn’t allow us to put ‘pub’ in the window.”
Howard found two partners and, in 1980, the three, all in their 30s, each invested about $9,000 and, using their homes as collateral, convinced a bank manager to support the concept of a traditional pub with a $50,000 loan.
The Royal Oak’s first location, at 318 Bank St., was an instant hit. It has been expanded twice since then, and 11 more have been added across the city. There are now two more Royal Oaks in Whitby, east of Toronto.
The Royal Oak will celebrate next week at the Bank Street location with a breakfast on Tuesday to raise money for charities, a tap takeover night by Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co., a trivia night, and a special “throwback Thursday” with 1980 food prices.