Tavern United closes downtown location

For the crowd leaving a Winnipeg Jets or Sea Bears game, big name concert or just a night out downtown, Tavern United was often a familiar stop across from Canada Life Centre.

That longtime routine has now ended with the sports bar’s permanent closure. A notice posted on the door of the Tavern United chain location thanks its now former customers.

“We are grateful for your loyalty, support and memories shared over the years. We hope to welcome you nearby at Resto 12 or at any of our other Tavern United locations across Winnipeg,” the sign reads.

No reason for the closure was listed.

Parent company Canad Corporation of Manitoba Ltd. did not respond to a request for comment Friday.

Tavern United was established in 2003 as a Manitoba-owned sports pub brand, with multiple locations across the city, including the Transcona, Windsor Park, Garden City, Fort Garry and Polo Park areas.

“Businesses need to make decisions that are in the best interest of their operations, and there will always be an ebb and flow downtown,” said Olivia Billson, communications director for Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.

“Tavern United has been in that location for years (and) we thank them for that commitment. Given its proximity to Canada Life Centre and other major investments, I think we’ll see strong interest from others wanting to contribute to a vibrant downtown.”

Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill, about a two-minute walk from the Tavern United spot, is already seeing a ripple effect.

“With the closure of the Tavern, this will definitely be giving us some more business,” said manager Tyler Carswell. “I would say they’re our closest competitor.

“We’ve already seen a small increase in revenues just over our lunches.”

He added Canada Life Centre events, including a Sea Bears game on Tuesday, have brought noticeable spillover traffic.

“Many of our guests were saying, ‘Oh, did you know the Tavern is closed? We tried going to the Tavern, but they’re closed, so we came here,” Carswell said. “It will be really cool to see what happens for the (Winnipeg Jets) season coming up. If there’s nothing put in (the empty space), then I’m very excited to see how much our sales increase.”