Yellowknife’s downtown Cellar bar and grill is set for a change in ownership.
The Franklin Avenue basement establishment is currently operated by general manager Dale Bardeau, who is moving to Winnipeg.
His lease expires in June but other requirements such as insurance expire in May, which means a date to be determined between May 19 and May 23 will be the bar’s last day in operation under its current management.
Bardeau declined an interview but confirmed two parties are in serious talks to take over operation of the bar, down from a handful of potential buyers who initially expressed interest.
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Cabin Radio understands one of those parties would look to maintain The Cellar as-is, leading to only a brief closure, while the other prospective buyer could close the bar for several weeks to complete a significant refit and rebranding.
Staff were informed of Bardeau’s departure several weeks ago. Around eight people are employed at The Cellar in either a full-time or part-time capacity.
The Cellar has existed in its present incarnation since 2013. Bardeau was previously manager of the nearby Black Knight pub.
