A big congratulations to Mike and Cathy Bayer on the purchase of the popular Bru Garden! For decades this pair have been operating fun food establishments in our city. Their whole family were the friendly faces at Upper Queen’s park that served picnic-ers and park goers goodies from Duke’s. When the opportunity came up to take on Erie St Drive-in they jumped on that, too. Then there was the purchase of Gilly’s on Downie St many years ago and the opening last year of a second Gilly’s in St Mary’s that has become “the” place to go in town! So it should not be surprising that when Bru Garden was up for grabs Mike and his wife were first in line!
Bru Garden is already open for the season but with a number of cool changes! Table service; expanded menu that will soon include flatbreads, tacos and salads; mainstream draft beer in addition to craft beer; new drink ware; and plans for a new entrance – between the bar and the food truck – to facilitate easy access for folks ordering takeaway.
You can expect to find Bru Garden open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout May with Thursdays here and there if the weather is nice, from 11:30am to 8pm. Starting in June hours will extend to midnight Fridays and Saturdays and Wednesday and Thursday hours will be added. Bru Garden seats 140 people and has 15 (free!) spots in their parking lot off of Waterloo St.
For the entire portfolio of restaurants, Miguel Raposo is the Executive Chef and Sparky (Rob Sparks) is the General Manager. Mike’s children – ages 21, 23 and 25 – all continue to have hands in the businesses despite busy careers of their own. A true family-owned and operated (not so) small business!! Oh and rest assured that the fries will continue to be “Ken’s fries!”
For more information, find Bru Garden in our online directory!