Well my trip to Edmonton was very positive for a number of different reasons, but one of which is VERY interesting.
I stopped into West Edmonton Mall after a meeting to grab a bite. As I walked down Bourbon Street, feeling like I was back in Vegas, I decided to park myself at a table in Hudson's. Now this is not my first time at Hudson's, but it was at this location, and it's beautiful! Lot's of TV's, a warm inviting atmosphere and very friendly service proved that I made the right choice. I looked through the menu, which was varied and complete without needing an guided tour and a nap before deciding on what to have. I ordered a LOADED Burger (don't tell Dave my trainer) and some Cheese-sticks to start.
When the burger arrived.... I almost fell out of my chair, it was LOADED for sure! As I giggled to myself, I grabbed my cell phone and called Chris Decock to harass him about the size of my burger. So in between bites of this epic chunk of cow, I find out that he and partner Mike Yasinski have bought the old Gerry's Diner site at 5th Street and 12th Ave SW, and are going to gut it and reopen it as a Hudson's. This will be an interesting addition to the beltline pub scene, as Mike and Chris and their Gateway Entertainment are proven operators in the Edmonton club and pub game.
They currently own a number of Hudson's locations as well as Union Hall (the former Goose Loonies/Thunderdome) and The Ranch (formerly the legendary Barry T's / The Standard), both of which I know well. Back in the late 80's I was the DJ/Entertainment Director at Barry T's and had some great times there during the Oilers heyday! I guest DJ'd at "The Goose" on more than one occasion with my good friend Terry Horudko. These locations carry with them alot of history in the Edmonton social scene and Gateway Entertainment is carrying on this tradition proudly and with tremendous success!
I am very interested to see the final product when it opens later this year and wish Chris and Mike all the best with their newest location and their first project in our great city!
Cheers guys!