The new 1516 Pub & Grill is expected to open in June now that it's been approved for a liquor license. (Submitted photo/Dahl Group)

By Pete McIntyre

on Okanagan Lake

New Vernon pub step closer to opening

May 26, 2022 | 2:45 PM

The newest pub in Vernon should be open in time for the summer tourism season now that it’s received some good news from the province.

The 1516 Pub and Grill on Okanagan Landing Road has been approved for a food primary liquor license by the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation branch.

Katie Dahl, vice president of the Vernon-based Dahl Group of Companies which owns the pub, said they are excited at the development.

“It is important that the entire team at the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch be recognized for their hard work,” said Dahl. “Our group has consistently received great service from the liquor board and they rarely get the recognition they deserve. The closing email we got from our case manager said, ‘We are happy to help’, how good is that?”

Dan Whiffen, head chef of the new pub and grill, said they have also received final approval from Interior Health.

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“The approval process with Interior Health was excellent. The Interior Health team was knowledgeable, extremely helpful and very thorough with the inspections. This is an important commitment from both Interior Health and the restaurant team and ensures the health and safety of all the guests that are soon to be enjoying 1516 Pub and Grill,” said Whiffen.

This was the final operating permit the team was working on, and clears the path to an opening in the first few weeks of June.

The business is at the former site of the Outboard Waterfront Pub [previously Blue Heron Pub] along Okanagan Lake.

Sherman Dahl, president, said in addition to their head chef and a sous chef, they are also in the process of building a kitchen team.

“We’ve got pretty good strength in the whole team right now, particularly in the back-of-house side [the kitchen]. The front-of-house, we’ve got built-in superstars like Katie [Dahl], and Karen Kramer is on the opening team. She opened Wings in Vernon in 2014 so we’ve brought her out of retirement.”

Dahl said Kramer used to work at the Blue Heron Pub, so this position is full circle for her.

They have also hired a local manager who is being trained at Wings Vernon, he said, which the company also owns.

Dave Lee, a resident on Old Stamp Mill Road across the lake, was spotted on the deck and said local residents are excited to have 1516 Pub opening.

“My plan is to paddle over on opening day and hit Katie and her team up for a cold 1516 Lager,” quipped Lee.

Okanagan Landing resident Dave Lee can’t wait for the new 1516 Pub & Grill to open. (Submitted photo/Dahl Group)

The Dahl Group also owns and operates The Italian Kitchen Company, Vernon Catering and Hospitality and Top Choice Pizza.