There is no restaurant in Vancouver
more iconic than Bridges
Opened in 1980, the stories Bridges walls could tell…
In 2018, Daniel Frankel, a local restaurateur and entrepreneur, purchased the historic Bridges restaurant, and with that, made it one of the most storied, multi-generational restaurants in the city.
As he continued to run it under the Bridges banner, Daniel planned the restaurant’s next era, transforming it as he would blend his Tap & Barrel concept; at the time, two successful local restaurants, with this iconic restaurant of yesteryear.
For Daniel, Bridges is family. Over forty years ago Daniel’s uncle, Michael Seelig, along with his business partner, took an enormous risk in opening a restaurant on a piece of land that was a run down industrial site. Daniel’s parents invested, and were long time partners.
The restaurant was split into a formal dining room (upstairs), a bistro on the main floor, a pub (made famous by the infamous Delilah, Vancouver’s first celebrity bartender), and Vancouver’s very first licenced patio. Daniel’s father, George Frankel, who later went on to create his own restaurant legacy, was the General Manager and Daniel, well, he was just a little boy back then… (see image of then 6 year old Daniel, hammering a nail into the Bridges patio)
“I am part of its history, and now I look forward
to being part of its future”
“In December 1979, our involvement in Bridges brought our family halfway across the world to Vancouver.” says Frankel. “I grew up at Bridges, I’m proud of its legacy, and I’m committed to doing Granville Island proud by creating a new and energetic restaurant for Vancouverites and visitors. I am part of its history, and now I look forward to being part of its future.”
What won’t change: That view. That patio. That yellow building!
Bridges former interior has been taken down to its studs with the walls and kitchens moved. It’s been designed with local materials, filled with installations from local artisans, crafted by local artists and reclaimed industrial materials that celebrate the legacy of Granville Island. But never fear, that iconic yellow exterior will remain the same (we were just watching them painting it today!), and so will that incredible view. We can hardly wait to see it!
Tap & Barrel Bridges will be the flagship location,and test kitchen for the company’s culinary development program. The menu will include historic Bridges dishes, and will offer a specially curated beer and wine list for Granville Island. A Tap & Barrel concept that honours a Vancouver restaurant of yesteryear.
About Tap & Barrel Group
Tap & Barrel Group is a Vancouver-based restaurant company founded by Daniel Frankel. Frankel is the recipient of the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame, for outstanding restaurateur; Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year; Deloitte’s ‘Canada’s Best Managed Company in Canada, and other hospitality awards. Daniel grew up in the restaurant business opening his first Tap & Barrel in Olympic Village in 2012. The Tap & Barrel concept has now grown to three locations with a micro concept, called TAPshack, and the award-winning craft brewery and beerhall, BREWHALL. The company also operates a virtual kitchen, called Fixins Mac n’ Chicken. Known not only as a place for great food, drinks, and guest service, Tap & Barrel is well known for supporting local purveyors, artists, and artisans, building and operating environmentally sustainable restaurants.
