After being home to Cosmo’s Ristorante for 33 years, a new pub-style restaurant is set to open at 90 Mississaga St. E. this summer.
The Lucky Labrador Public House plans to open around July 25. Brandon Clark of The Kenzington Group says it will be a "fun pub."
“We will have some elevated comfort food,” he said. “We will have a different kind of beer list than what we have across the street at Kenzington's.”
While Kenzington Burger Bar focuses more on craft beers, The Lucky Labrador will focus on imported beer, he explained. The new eatery will also be serving a fun, Canadian-styled pub atmosphere with the same kind of feel as their sister location across the street.
Clark says that is where the similarities end between the two restaurants, stressing they will be two completely different establishments.
Clark says The Kenzington Group is excited to be growing its roots in the Sunshine City
“I love Orillia and the downtown area,” he said. “A lot of the downtown restaurants and businesses are doing a lot of fun stuff and we are excited to be a part of that.”
Clark says the downtown core seems to be thriving and lively in the post-pandemic era.
“I’ve always loved the amount of programming and effort that goes into making sure the downtown area is a success,” he said.
The Lucky Labrador Public House is The Kenzington Group’s sixth restaurant location in Ontario. Clark says the new restaurant is being built like Kenzington’s so that it could be duplicated in other cities.
The biggest challenge ahead for the new establishment will be staffing, Clark concedes.
“It’s been a challenge coming back from the pandemic,” he said. “We’ve been lucky to have a lot of people come back to work with us and a lot of people who want to join our growing organization.”
The Lucky Labrador Public House is now accepting resumes and they can be dropped off at Kenzington’s Burger Bar.
Those familiar with Cosmo's will not find much remaining as the bar has been extended, the seating has been rearranged, the tables and chairs are brand new, the building will be painted, and it will be equipped with new lighting.
However, Clark says The Kenzington Group has been working on obtaining some of Cosmo Dominelli’s old recipes.
“We are still chatting with him,” Clark said. “Nothing’s been set yet.”
Clark thanks everyone who has supported Kenzington Burger Bar over the years and says the group is looking forward to becoming an even bigger part of the community.
