Jeff Donnelly, founder and president of Donnelly Hospitality Management, was just named one of Business in Vancouver‘s 40 under 40. Through his various companies, Donnelly owns and runs four nightclubs, four pubs, and one restaurant in Vancouver, which reportedly do about $24 million in revenue a year.
Most recently, Donnelly opened much hyped Pop Opera, a downtown nightclub. Another big project that was completed last year was the revamping of the Lamplighter pub in Gastown.
These developments beg the question what the hell is going on with Bimini’s. None of the recent news articles about Donnelly’s nightlife empire mention the fact that Bimini’s burnt down well over a year ago and still hasn’t been rebuilt.
So why isn’t Bimini’s being rebuilt like the website has been promising for 15 months? There was some activity about a year ago, but I can’t remember the last time I saw someone in there.
Someone at the liquor store next door told me that it is unclear why they’re not rebuilding, but that apparently there’s some squabbling going on.
Although I’ve never been to Bimini’s, it’s sad to see this Kitsilano institution boarded up for so long. Especially when they are opening up flashy new places elsewhere.
Last modified: October 12, 2021
Agreed! I suggest we boycott Bimini’s Beer & Wine store until they announce their plans for the old pub.
According to sources there are seismic upgrades needed in order for the old shack to be reconstructed, the building owner wants Donnely to pay and from what I’ve been told they said NO and walked away from reopening.
Bimini’s was popular decades ago but my guess is that it hadn’t paid it’s way for some time.
The Liquor Store licence now-that’s worth some money…….
Thanks for the additional info BB!
In addition to perhaps not paying its way, you also get the feeling it perhaps doesn’t fit so well into the portfolio anymore compared to the sleeker and flashier pubs and clubs downtown.
Like Browns “Social House”? The only self-dubbed social house I’ve seen that puts thick bullet proof glass between the booths! haha
I have a theory – Biminis will never re-open.
Seismic? Not cool anymore? Too much Golden Tee or Buck Hunter? Who knows.
I suspect that if it was going to have been re-opened, they’d have telegraphed it. Feels like they’ve hung up.
theres also a rumour going around that donnelly is still under investigation by local authorities and insurance company in regards to the fire.