Former Acorn Chef to Launch ‘Frankie, We Salute You’ in Kelowna This Spring

Brian and Christina Skinner are opening a new, 60 seat restaurant together in Kelowna’s upcoming District Market this April. It will be called Frankie, We Salute You — a nod to their plant-growing grandfathers, “The Franks”.

It’s been a couple of years since their departure from Vancouver. You might remember Brian from the award-winning beginnings of Main Street’s vegetarian restaurant, The Acorn, where he was the opening chef and co-owner (they sold their share in 2014), or from his Gold Medal Plates victory in 2013, but between them they have over 30 years fine dining experience, including some Michelin-starred stints overseas. (I most recently enjoyed Brian’s food this past summer when he was cooking at Naramata’s Joiefarm.)

According to a draft copy of a press release I’ve seen, “the duo are exploring a more relaxed menu style for this project inspired by the food they make at home for friends and family: full of heart, healthy, and – most importantly – fun. The focus, as always, is very much on plants with an equal emphasis on exclusively Okanagan wines and craft beer + cider.”

The location – the old Turner VW car dealership on Harvey St. – looks to be a good fit for the Skinners. Meiklejohn Architects Inc. have designed the District Market to be a mixed-use dining and farm fresh culinary market, so they’ll likely feel right at home and be in good company. Their 2,000 sqft restaurant will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

We’ll have more on this exciting project soon, but in the meantime, if you’re on the hunt for work, they’re currently hiring a General Manager and Sous Chef to help launch the restaurant. All are welcome to forward resumes to christina [at] frankiewesaluteyou.com. You can also sign up for updates about the project at www.frankiewesaluteyou.com.