The closure of a popular waterfront pub has been an emotional experience for the woman who it was named for.
āThe people that have bought the building donāt want the business,ā said co-owner Rose Sexsmith, who choked back tears, when discussing the permanent closure of Roseās Waterfront Pub, located at 1352 Water St.
āIt is what it is. Weāve been incredibly blessed. Itās the time, Iām grateful for all these years.ā
The pub will be closing Sept. 30 and Sexsmith said its ānew owners donāt want to run Roseās the way it isā and she has no idea what their plans are.
Despite the tears, Sexsmith is excited about the future.
āItās bittersweet. All those things, Iām sad about my staffā¦ and Iām sad because itās like your kid is moving to another world,ā she said. āWeāve had an amazing run and met amazing people. I canāt say how wonderful itās been.ā
Sexsmith has co-owned the pub with her brother George Hanna, since 1989, which she described as āa successful partnership.ā Her children have also worked at the pub and her grandchildren are now old enough to sit and enjoy a drink on its deck.
General manager Andrew Neville said it came as a little bit of a shock for the staff. He also is unable to discuss details for the future plans of the building.
The popular pub operates as both a pub and nightclub and according to its website, āRoseās is the only true waterfront pub in Ā鶹AV.ā
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The pub has been operating employs 58 workers, including some seasonal staff, Neville said.
āWeād just like to thank all the people of Ā鶹AV for supporting us,ā he said.
carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
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