Pattison Food Group is expanding its food business with a new upscale Urban Fare store in Vancouver and the opening of a full-service restaurant adjacent to the store.

The new store, known as Urban Fare leləm̓ Village, is a 12,748 sq ft grocery store located in a mixed-used development on University Blvd. in Vancouver, bordering the student residences of the University of B.C. The store, which will officially open on February 2, marks the fifth location for the banner in Vancouver and seven stores overall.

Darrell Jones, president of Pattison Food Group, says “the store will provide customers with a unique shopping experience designed to excite the inner chef in all of us. Our team is made up of food experts and skilled chefs who share a true passion for food, and it shows!”

The new restaurant, Wildlight Kitchen + Bar is Pattison Food Group’s first foray into the restaurant business. The full-service eatery will have a grand opening in February.

The restaurant will bring a taste of ‘West Coast Wild’ to the city with its approachable fare using ethically-sourced, seasonal, and local ingredients — including some grown as close to the restaurant as the nearby UBC Farms.

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Brenda Kirk, senior vice president of merchandising for Pattison Food Group, says president Darrell Jones challenged the executive team to open a restaurant more than two years ago.

“We had no idea how to operate or open a restaurant, but we knew a lot about food and a lot about customer experience.”

Jones says getting into the restaurant business is a natural fit to grow Pattison Food Group.

“Just like the Pattison Food Group’s business, our mission here is very simple: for Wildlight to deliver, always, customer-first service. The team is laser-focused on delivering the best premium casual dining experience anywhere in the market.”

He adds that “the Wildlight team has used their talent and expertise to capture the spirit of the West Coast and bring it to life in an immersive and welcoming dining experience. We are so proud to open our doors and share this amazing restaurant with our guests."