The Keg Steakhouse + Bar is a Canadian chain of upscale casual dining restaurants that specializes in serving steaks and seafood. The origins of The Keg can be traced back to 1971 when George Tidball opened the first restaurant in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
The original location of The Keg was in the Lynn Valley Centre, a small neighborhood shopping center in North Vancouver. The restaurant was named “The Keg and Cleaver” and featured a menu of steaks, prime rib, and seafood. Despite its small size, the restaurant quickly gained a reputation for serving high-quality food in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
In 1973, Tidball moved The Keg to a new location on Esplanade Avenue in the Lower Lonsdale neighborhood of North Vancouver. The new location was in a historic building that was once a freight house for the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. The building was renovated to accommodate a much larger restaurant, and the interior was designed to reflect the history of the building and the surrounding area.
The Keg’s menu continued to focus on steaks and seafood, and the restaurant’s bar served a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. The Keg quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and the restaurant’s success allowed Tidball to open additional locations throughout British Columbia.
In 1987, The Keg changed its name to “The Keg Steakhouse + Bar” to reflect its focus on high-quality steaks and drinks. Over the years, The Keg continued to expand, with locations opening throughout Canada and the United States. Today, The Keg has more than 100 locations and is known for its commitment to serving high-quality food, exceptional service, and providing a welcoming atmosphere for its customers.
Despite its growth and success, The Keg remains headquartered in North Vancouver, where it all began. The original location on Esplanade Avenue in Lower Lonsdale has since closed and undergone several renovations and expansions into other businesses.