Milestones Unveils Test Kitchen and Prohibition-Style Cocktail Bar in B.C.
The Canadian restaurant chain introduces new menu concepts in Coquitlam, with potential for expansion nationwide.
COQUITLAM, B.C. – Milestones, the Canadian restaurant brand with roots dating back to its first Vancouver location in 1989, has opened its first-ever Milestones Test Kitchen and a new prohibition-era inspired cocktail bar called Fraser Bar.
The new concepts, launched September 4 in Coquitlam, represent a significant investment in innovation by Pacific Rose Hospitality Group and Foodtastic, Milestones’ parent company. The test kitchen will serve as a hub for new culinary ideas, while Fraser Bar offers a nod to 1920s speakeasy culture.
A Blend of Classics and Innovation
At the Milestones Test Kitchen, diners will find a menu that is equally split between the brand’s signature favourites and experimental dishes. Guest staples like Portobello Mushroom Chicken, Chilli Chicken Bites, and Wham-Bam Shrimp sit alongside new creations including Samosa Poutine, Lobster Frites, and wood-fired pizzas.
Head chef Jeff Dell leads the culinary team and is tasked with balancing innovation and guest expectations. “Our team is working intensely to find the right new recipes, and to gather feedback from the people whose opinion matters most to us – our local patrons,” Dell said in the release.
Fraser Bar: A Step Back in Time
Located above the test kitchen, Fraser Bar offers guests a prohibition-inspired atmosphere with intimate décor, craft cocktails, and elevated small plates. Designed to reflect the Fraser Valley’s heritage, the bar combines nostalgia with high-touch service and modern hospitality.
Looking Ahead
Pacific Rose Hospitality Group, which operates Milestones locations across British Columbia and Alberta, sees the launch as the beginning of broader growth for the brand. Partner Chad Huff emphasized the importance of collaboration: “We are grateful to our amazing team and the great partnership that we have with Foodtastic, both of which allow us to focus our efforts on growing this amazing brand in Western Canada.”
For Foodtastic, which manages more than 20 restaurant brands including Freshii, Pita Pit, and Second Cup, the milestone in Coquitlam represents both a nod to Milestones’ origins and a springboard for future innovation. “We’re proud of our Canadian roots and DNA,” said Peter Mammas, founder and president of Foodtastic. “This, when added to our food, is why people return to dine with us.”
Potential Expansion
If successful, the Milestones Test Kitchen and Fraser Bar models could be replicated in other Canadian cities, potentially bringing new menu items and speakeasy-style bar experiences to communities nationwide.
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