In the fall of 2020, Passionate Hospitality Group took over ownership of the formerly known Glasshouse Bistro. The Group’s portfolio includes many local favourites such as Wild Earth Bakery, Whiskey Smoke, Chuck, nōo◦ch, Passionate Caterers and most recently, Events at Enjoy. Led by owners Shannon Butler and Melinda Admiraal, as well as General Manager Kim Capjack, Passionate Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing St. Alberta, Edmonton, and area with a fresh and delicious food experience that keeps you coming back for more.
“Even though COVID restrictions were strongly impacting restaurants in 2020, we saw a real opportunity to revitalize this iconic space in the Enjoy Centre,” says Shannon of the decision to add Glasshouse to their Group.
There was definitely some risk involved. The former Glasshouse had been a very popular eatery in its early years, but prior to the Enjoy Centre transition in ownership, many aspects of the centre, including Glasshouse, had lost momentum.
The change in ownership and recent involvement of Salisbury at the Enjoy Centre, have led to a resurgence of the destination’s popularity.
“New life has been infused into Enjoy Centre,” says Shannon. “The St. Albert community is loyal and people are showing up to give the centre and local small businesses another chance to succeed.”
Passionate Hospitality Group began the process of changing the image and energy of this beautiful space. They began with a subtle but stylish update to the Glasshouse name, logo and décor while capitalizing on its unique layout. Local barnwood and decommissioned railway ties were used to bring in a local flair while toning down the cavernous space to lend it a more intimate vibe. The patio has been revitalized, a lounge created, and new branding rolled out. Passionate Hospitality Group has retained the open and airy spacing but added a level of coziness and warmth.
This gift of space was a comfort for loyal customers who returned to Glasshouse Kitchen|Bar, when permitted, during COVID restrictions to take advantage of the natural ability to distance with their cohort.
It’s not just the atmosphere people are returning for. As Shannon explains, there was another key aspect Passionate Hospitality Group was keen to restore.
“The first thing we did was reinstate a former head chef who was an integral force when Glasshouse was thriving. Food is her passion.”
Executive chef Julia Kundera is well known in the foodie community for her ability to create delicious meals for every dietary preference. Whether diners are looking for gluten free, meat, vegetarian or even vegan dishes, there is something for everyone on the menu. Using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, Julia brings her gastronomical delights to life. Customer favorites include her buttermilk chicken sandwich, sesame ginger glazed salmon, green goddess salad with crispy halloumi, and spiced crispy cauliflower.
The ingredients are not the only local aspects of Glasshouse. Julia, front of house manager Chelsey Tipping, and many of the GH staff call St. Albert home; and in the lounge, products from local breweries and distillers are on among what’s on tap. The mouth-watering pastries, made exclusively for Glasshouse Café from Wild Earth Bakery, are the perfect way to complement the local experience.
Passionate Hospitality Group has achieved their vision of creating an inclusive space for all. Whether you are in need of a venue for a wedding reception, a sunset dinner date, having brunch with the girls, sports night in the lounge, catching up with friends over coffee, or taking the family to Glasshouse’s infamous brunch, there’s a seat for you at the table. The food, the beverages, the atmosphere, the view of Big Lake from the floor to ceiling windows – it’s an experience that is incomparable.
Shannon concludes, “We were very excited for the opportunity to rebuild Glasshouse, even during COVID, because we had every confidence in head chef Julia, the location, the addition of Salisbury, and in a community that loves the local food experience. We are thrilled to welcome back our loyal regulars and proud to invite newcomers to Glasshouse Kitchen|Bar. You won’t be disappointed.”
