Looking for the original Bar Towel blog? You can find it at www.thebartowel.com.

We have a trivia question in order to register to prevent bots. If you have any issues with answering, contact us at cass@bartowel.com for help.

Introducing Light Mode! If you would like a Bar Towel social experience that isn't the traditional blue, you can now select Light Mode. Go to the User Control Panel and then Board Preferences, and select "Day Drinking" (Light Mode) from the My Board Style drop-down menu. You can always switch back to "Night Drinking" (Dark Mode). Enjoy!

Donnelly Group - Creditor Protection

Discuss Ontario's brewpubs, pubs, beer bars and restaurants here.

Moderators: Craig, Cass

Post Reply
User avatar
Tapsucker
Seasoned Drinker
Posts: 1910
Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:21 pm
Location: Toronto

Donnelly Group - Creditor Protection

Post by Tapsucker »

OT - your Blogto link also led me to a newer post today about the Donnelly group filing for creditor protection. I know they have locations in Toronto, but I don't think I have been to them. I have however been to a few in Vancouver. I'm conflicted by their model. I mean, they have been, for the most part a gentrifier of some iconic bars. It's probably me being sentimental, so it rubs me the wrong way, but on the other hand, the places I have been to have been ok. Certainly better than the Firkin crap we get dosed with around here.

It got in my craw when they took over Railway Club, In my heart a special place in Vancouver, but it was either them or the place was to be shut down for good.

Like I say, conflicted. How do others here feel?
Brands are for cattle.
Fans are cash cows.
The herd will consume until consumed.

User avatar
Cass
Beer Superstar
Posts: 3828
Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2001 8:00 pm
Location: Toronto
Contact:

Post by Cass »

@Tapsucker I moved this into a new thread so it wouldn't get lost in Bellwoods discussion.

I've been to the Walrus a number of times downtown, a nice enough place whose best quality IMO is its proximity to Union Station. Kind of what a beer bar would be like if made by marketing people, which is likely precisely what it is.

Here's the press release with the announcement:
Donnelly Group Initiates Financial Restructuring Under the CCAA to Revise Borrowing Needed to Overcome COVID-19 Pandemic Challenges

The hospitality management company plans to survive the financially crippling effects of the pandemic and return stronger than before

VANCOUVER, BC, May 23, 2023 /CNW/ - Donnelly Group, a leading hospitality management company, is taking a proactive step towards securing a stronger and more resilient future amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the company announced its decision to initiate proceedings under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) for which an initial order has been granted by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Donnelly Group Logo (CNW Group/Donnelly Group)
The devastating impact of the global pandemic on the hospitality industry followed by its challenging economic effects, has necessitated this strategic move by Donnelly Group. Recognizing the need to navigate these difficult times and safeguard the well-being of its employees, the company aims to continue working cooperatively with its lender to revise the terms of existing loans, restructure the debt that was required to survive the pandemic, and to emerge as a more robust organization.
During the restructuring proceedings, Donnelly Group will collaborate closely with its lenders and professional advisors, including the court-appointed CCAA monitor, to complete its restructuring plan, streamline operations, and communicate openly with all stakeholders. It is optimistic it can complete this process in the next couple of months. During this period, it expects to continue operating all of its locations without interruption, maintain relationships with suppliers and service providers, and engage its employees at current levels during the CCAA proceeding and afterwards.
"Despite the often startling perception of this filing, it's very much a constructive versus destructive financial tool that will first bring added stability and then growth to our businesses operating in the embattled hospitality industry" says Donnelly Group founder and CEO Jef Donnelly. "This will be a survivor's tale, one that we're saddened to recognize cannot be told for many of our hospitality peers due to the tragic effects of the pandemic."
Donnelly Group emphasizes that the decision to embark on this restructuring journey is not a reflection of individual or team performance. Rather, it is a strategic response to the industry-wide impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. By undertaking the CCAA process, Donnelly Group aims to build a stronger foundation, positioned for long-term success and growth in a post-pandemic landscape.
The company expresses its deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment, flexibility, and hard work demonstrated by its dedicated staff throughout these challenging times. The resilience and determination exhibited by Donnelly Group's employees will be instrumental in overcoming the current hurdles and shaping a brighter future for the company.
About Donnelly Group
Donnelly Group is a hospitality management company born of publican DNA that operates a diverse portfolio of brands. Each unique, but with a shared culture driven by a collective affinity for meaningful, thought and conversation provoking topics influenced by design, music, art, sports, and travel.
Its core portfolio consists of Freehouse Collective, a group of iconic public houses, cocktail clubs and restaurants in Vancouver and Toronto, Barber & Co barber shops and products, and Bomber Brewing.
For more information, please visit freehouse.co

Post Reply