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New Greater Victoria food businesses ready to ring in the new year

Newcomers range from fast-food chicken to cheese and wine bistro

Greater Victoria may have the one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in the country, but there’s always room for more.

So far in December, at least three new eateries have opened up around the region.

Popeyes Louisana Kitchen Inc.

The Island’s first Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, a fried chicken joint well known as an American multinational chain, has opened its doors in Saanich.

The new fast-food restaurant has had lineups out the door regularly since opening and manager Bilal Muhabat told Black Press Media it has so far been received very well at its location in Tuscany Village at McKenzie Avenue and Shelbourne Street.

Stone Ground Pizza Co.

Downtown Victoria’s Doubletree Hilton Hotel at 777 Douglas St. is now home to Stone Ground Pizza Company.

The Italian-style restaurant is equipped with a stone-fired pizza oven and is attached to the new Starbucks coffee near the main entryway of the hotel.

General manager Morgan Watson said seating capacity in the restaurant can be extended into Starbucks when needed. An ordering system using a QR code allows for seamless service as well, he added.

“If one person wants to enjoy a Starbucks coffee while the other is craving a glass of wine, that is possible with the way our ordering system works,” Watson said.

L’Apero Wine and Cheese Bistro

A new wine and cheese bar has arrived at 1028 Blanshard St. in time for the winter holidays.

The new downtown bistro offers onsite dining, catering, cheese boards to go and workshops for cheese and wine lovers. There’s also has a deli section equipped with fine cheese and cured meats.

Owners Guillaume Kieffer and Page Loten said their goal is to bring people together to share good times and discover amazing pairings.

“We wanted to bring a European feel to Victoria’s dining scene. The type of restaurant with a casual atmosphere, where the staff knows you by your name and you are encouraged to stay and chat around a glass of wine,” they said.

ALSO READ: Classic Colwood cafe closing, new restaurant coming


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