A new restaurant in downtown Kelowna is aiming to bring a different kind of energy to the city’s dining scene.
Room 272 Bar + Bites officially opened its doors last week on Bernard Avenue, with owners Paige Gillingham, Steve Gillingham and Jason Frederick hoping to create a space that feels both comfortable and unique.
“Jay and I met about six years ago, and we always had a dream to open a place,” said Paige. “When we found this place, we fell in love with it and we just went with it. And here we are.”
Room 272 is built around what the owners describe as a more relaxed, social dining experience, with shareable plates and an atmosphere designed to feel lively without being overwhelming.
“We’re trying to incorporate a vibe where people come in, we’re comfortable, you can still have a conversation...people are sitting in their chairs and kind of grooving,” Paige added.
The menu leans heavily into share-style dishes, something the team believes sets them apart. “Our menu is very shareable, I think that’s a little different than what a lot of places offer,” she noted.
On the drink side, Frederick says the cocktail program is designed to stand out, even removing some traditional ingredients.
“Our cocktail program is a little different from any other cocktail program in the city,” he explained. “First one’s not to be incorporating lemons or limes, which sounds a little scary and different for a lot of people.”
Early response from customers has been strong, with dishes like chicken wings, meatballs and burrata toast quickly becoming favourites.
“We’ve been super busy, steady flow of friends and family and lots of new customers,” said Paige. “We’re meeting lots of new friends, and we’re excited to meet more of you, Kelowna.”
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