A Scottish-inspired pub in downtown Winnipeg
When the facade of the Scott Block, a century-old office building at 272 Main Street, was uncovered a few years ago, Bryan Goertz envisioned something spectacular in that space. Little did he know that something would be his business, Grey Owl Coffee & Pub.
“I never imagined it’d be me in that space,” Goertz said. “I guess the stars aligned. When I was ready with my business plan the space was also ready to be occupied.”
Goertz began in the speciality coffee industry in 2011 when his longtime friend opened Parlour Coffee. After five years at Parlour, Goertz travelled to Europe and found himself sitting in coffee shops and pubs teaching himself computer coding.
“It didn’t take long to realize that I’d prefer to stay in the service industry and meld [coffee and pubs] together,” he says. “I wanted to take my favourite places and make a space that I wanted to hang out in. ”
Goertz pictured a business that smoothly transitioned from coffee service to bar service, and so, Grey Owl Coffee & Pub was born in June 2018.
Grey Owl is set up so we can accommodate the hustle-bustle of the business
Bryan Goetz
The food and beverage list is extensive, with several vegan and vegetarian options.
“Grey Owl staff are a mishmash of dietary restrictions and desires and our menu reflects that,” says Goertz. “It truly is a weird and wild mosaic of tasty food offerings.”
Goertz says he constantly looks for coffee roasters that are at the top of their game.
“I love trying new coffees and seeing what roasters from around the world are doing with sourcing beans and branding.”
With beer and wine, Goertz keeps it local.
“I’ve only ever had local beer on taps and anticipate keeping it that way for the foreseeable future,” he says. “And we’ve been working with Ellement Wine & Spirits at The Forks and have opted to showcase their natural wines.”
For Goertz, the best part about Grey Owl is seeing people visiting in the café – some with a coffee, and some with a pint.
“One time, a customer ordered a beer and a donut. That was pretty awesome,” he says. “It’s always a good sign when you go to work and think ‘This just feels like I’m hanging out with friends’.”
Photos by Kristhine Guerrero
