Vancouver, BC, July 18, 2024 – This fall, the award-winning team behind Vancouver Chinatown’s The Keefer Bar are launching a new brasserie-inspired concept, June, in the heart of Cambie Village. Located at 3305 Cambie Street, on the corner of 17th Avenue, guests can expect a lively experience with casual dishes paired with a stellar drink program.

“It’s been 14 years since we opened The Keefer Bar, and June allows us to continue our commitment to great hospitality on this iconic corner location in the heart of Cambie Village,” says Cam Watt, co-proprietor of the Keefer Bar and June. “As one would expect of a brasserie, the space accommodates both dining and drinking and a later closing hour will allow people to linger in a loungey atmosphere. We’re excited to bring our team from Chinatown and join this growing and dynamic neighbourhood.”

The team, led by co-proprietor Keenan Hood and operations manager Letícia Castro (previously Como Taperia, The Diamond), are currently working on bringing June to life. At the helm of the kitchen is executive chef Connor Sperling (previously Published on Main, Boulevard), while bar director Amber Bruce and bar manager Satoshi Yonemori (previously Grapes & Soda) leads the bar. Research and development is now underway.

The 150-seat space has been completely gutted and redesigned by acclaimed Mexico City-based architect Héctor Esrawe.
“Hector’s projects all share a very distinctive and sophisticated look. Although June is brasserie-inspired, the room will surprise and hopefully delight – his design will bring something unique to Vancouver’s restaurant and cocktail scene,” adds Watt.

Follow June on Instagram @juneoncambie to stay updated on its journey to opening. For more information, please visit www.juneoncambie.com.

Ardian, a world-leading private equity house, announces that it has entered into exclusive discussions to acquire a majority stake in Robot-Coupe and Magimix, alongside Hameur Group.

Founded in 1961 in the French region of Burgundy, Robot-Coupe is the undisputed global market leader in premium benchtop equipment for professional use. Robot-Coupe has become a must-have in all professional kitchens, leveraging its superior brand image and value proposition. Its products are known for their reliability, durability, adaptability, reparability, easy-to-use features and Made-in-France quality.

The company is present in over 130 countries and serves more than 7,000 distributors and importers across the world, with leading market shares in its core geographies (namely the US, France, Australia and the UK). Robot-Coupe’s expansion is supported by a unique sales & marketing strategy, which benefits from a large and proactive on-the-ground sales team.

Over the past 60 years, Robot-Coupe has developed an attractive and innovative product portfolio covering most food preparation, from chopping and mixing to whisking and emulsifying. Its main product groups are food processors, vegetable preparators, juicers, and blenders, with each model designed in a wide range of sizes and functions for greater capacity and versatility.

Magimix was created in 1971 by leveraging Robot-Coupe’s expertise and focuses on premium small kitchen appliances for domestic use. This iconic brand is an industry leader in food preparation equipment such as food processors, blenders, juicers and coffee machines (via a strategic partnership with Nespresso initiated in 1997). The company primarily operates in France, the UK and the Netherlands, and serves a diversified customer base of specialized retailers, department stores and independent retailers, supported by a strong online presence.

Through this partnership, Ardian and the Hameur Group will support the Robot-Coupe and Magimix’s management teams plan to consolidate their market leadership position through accelerated organic growth and internationalization.

This growth is expected to be delivered by the continued success of their existing products, a pipeline of new innovative solutions and potentially seizing external growth opportunities. Ardian is well placed to support the group’s ambitious strategic plan given its track record, expertise and international network in the Food Value Chain sector.

The completion of the transaction is subject to the legal usual conditions and the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.

“Given our common DNA, based on French roots combined with international reach, we are convinced that Ardian is the right partner to begin a new chapter for the Group. We would like to welcome the Ardian team, who share our values, our vision and our ambition to accelerate the development of the company. Together, we will focus on enhancing Robot-Coupe and Magimix’s leadership position by combining our resources, know-how and strategic vision. We are delighted with this partnership, which marks a new momentum for our group.”

● GILBERT VERDUN ● CEO OF ROBOT-COUPE AND MAGIMIX

“We are very pleased by this ambitious partnership with the Hameur Group, based on shared values and mutual trust. This partnership allows us to invest in a unique Group combining two iconic brands in a sector we know well and in which we have a strong network. This transaction is another example of how Ardian is the partner of choice in accompanying a family-owned group in its next development phase.”

● THIBAULT BASQUIN ● CO-HEAD OF BUYOUT AND MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, ARDIAN

“With their renowned expertise and their long-term vision, the Hameur Group representatives, Gilbert Verdun and his teams have created global market leaders, offering innovative and unrivalled products targeting the attractive Food-Service industry. We are glad to partner with them in this new chapter and to accompany them in their accelerated growth and diversification strategy.”

● EMMANUEL MIQUEL ● CO-HEAD OF BUYOUT FRANCE & MANAGING DIRECTOR, ARDIAN

Over the course of our interactions, we have been very impressed by the quality of Robot-Coupe and Magimix’s management and their passion to create the best and most efficient food preparation products. We look forward to supporting them in the next development phase.”

● ALEXIS MANET ● MANAGING DIRECTOR BUYOUT, ARDIAN

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It is with great delight that Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar shares the details of their 2024 Seafood Boil, taking place this year on August 17^th & 18^th.

In partnership with Fanny Bay Oysters, Fresh Ideas Start Here, and Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, this exclusive annual event provides new and returning guests with the opportunity to be treated to an exceptionally prepared menu, all while sitting al-fresco listening to light background musical accompaniment. With 2 seating times available (5.00 pm & 8.00 pm PST) each day, tickets to the specialized Seafood Boil include a complimentary glass of sparkling wine courtesy of Noble Ridge upon arrival and a curated menu created using the freshest local seafood.

Returning to her roots, Lisa Haley, newly appointed Executive General Manager of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, is excited to be once again involved with the establishment’s longest-running tradition. “I have stayed close with the Boulevard team over the years and it has been a joy to witness the many successes of the restaurant since its opening in 2014. I am thrilled to be returning as Executive General Manager as we approach this landmark anniversary,” she advises. “We are full of ideas and cannot wait to bring them to fruition, with this being the 1^st of several immersive culinary experiences planned.”

Earlier this year, at the helm of Executive Chef Roger Ma, Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar, secured its place among Canada's culinary elite, earning the 22nd spot in the esteemed list of top 100 Restaurants. This inclusion highlighted Boulevard's continuing unwavering commitment to showcasing the best seafood from the coast of B.C. and worldwide as it celebrates this momentous anniversary.

“I am incredibly proud of the team’s achievement with our inclusion in Canada's top 100 list this year, especially with this being such a milestone year for Boulevard. It's always an honor to be recognized, and more importantly, it’s a testament to our continued commitment to excellence,” explains Executive Chef Roger Ma. On the upcoming event in August, he shares, “The Seafood Boil has become one of our most beloved annual traditions at Boulevard over the last 10 years, with our guests always looking forward to it. Collaborating with our good friends from Fanny Bay Oysters, Fresh Ideas Start Here and Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery will make this year extra special along with the return to our roots by using the long table communal format.”

Following on from the Summer celebration, Boulevard has organised a number of exciting Autumn events to commemorate its tenure as one of the best Vancouver has to offer. These include a flavorsome Cocktail Evening Party on October 3^rd, along with a tantalizing Daily Feature Menu Series from October 4^th – 9th, introducing new unique dishes created especially by Executive Chef Alex Chen, Executive Chef Roger Ma, and Executive Pastry Chef Kenta Takahashi for the week. Completing the festivities, the restaurant will be hosting an Alumni Dinner on October 10^th, inviting guests to enjoy a multi-course menu with both past & present members of the Boulevard team.

For more information about Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar - including reservations, menu offerings, and all of the limited seating 10^th Anniversary events, please visit their website at boulevardvancouver.ca or on socials @blvdyvr.

Vancouver, BC, July 15, 2024 –The multi-award-winning Café Medina is Metro Vancouver’s most consistently popular breakfast and brunch destination. Since settling into its elegant yet casual home at 780 Richards Street a decade ago, thousands of diners have enjoyed its unique menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, gourmet coffees, signature Belgian waffles, and refreshingly unique cocktails.

No matter the season, Café Medina is an unforgettable dining experience. Whether menu mainstays such as Fricassée (sunny eggs and fork-tender braised short ribs served atop a bed of roasted potatoes, caramelized onion and smoked cheddar) or recent additions including Poêlée de Champignons, Café Medina is one of Vancouver’s most iconic restaurants — not only for the excellence of its food, but for its warm service, its lively atmosphere, and the unwavering consistency with which it delivers all of these qualities.

“Every season is special to the Medina team for different reasons, but summer may well be our favourite,” says Robbie Kane, founder and owner of Café Medina. “When our patio can best be enjoyed and the sun comes streaming through our streetfront windows – it’s definitely a unique experience. We also have the great opportunity of seeing our local guests, as well as welcoming international visitors.”

BOOK A TABLE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE
While Café Medina has historically operated on a first-come, first-served basis, guests have the option of making a charitable reservation, something the restaurant started during a fundraising event a couple years ago. For $10 per person (maximum eight guests per table, up to three weeks in advance), all reservation proceeds go to a worthy cause in the community. (Charities change quarterly.) Bookings can be made at reservations@medinacafe.com or by calling 604-879-3114.

RAISE A GLASS TO SUMMER
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Café Medina – in collaboration with BC’s own Twin Sails Brewing – is hosting the Summer Crush Beer Dinner. Guests can revel in an exclusive five-course menu including fresh-shucked oysters, seared locally-sourced halibut, grilled SunGold lamb sirloin, and more. And each course will be perfectly paired with one of Twin Sails’ acclaimed craft brews. Tickets are limited, at $95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) from exploretock.com/medinacafe. For more information, email events@medinacafe.com.

MAKE YOUR SPECIAL EVENT PERFECT AT MEDINA
Summer is a season of celebration, and Café Medina is the perfect venue for hosting celebratory get-togethers. This summer and all year round, Medina’s airy, photogenic space is available to book for weddings, family and business festivities, and just about any other special occasion. To learn more, visit medinacafe.com/private-dining.

“We love seeing our restaurant come alive during the evening for private events,” adds Kane. “We’ve hosted many events in this space, from weddings, corporate get-togethers, to fundraisers, and more. There are many possibilities, and we welcome guests who are looking for a unique location to connect with us.”

For those who want to enjoy Café Medina’s popular Belgian waffles and sauces at home or gift them to friends and family, guests can order special packs online for pick-up.

Café Medina is open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please visit medinacafe.com.