If you've ever spent some time at The Bowling Alley or Chillers over the years there's a pair of faces you may recognize. Chuck Cole was one half of the businessmen who created Chillers Brew Pub and Heather Goddard has worked there since the day the doors opened in 2000. Over the last few years the building has undergone some significant changes, but both Chuck and Heather are still at the helm; Heather manages Urban Cellars and Chuck is the Facilities Manager, although he claims he's semi-retired.
After years of running the bar and the off-sale Chuck saw many changes to laws that altered the way bars operate and the way customers use bars. It dawned on him that there was no need for a bar with that many tables on South Hill, considering many of his customers were more interested in the Offsale anyways. So when the provincial government privatized liquor stores, Chuck knew what to do next. He made the decision to move Chillers Brew Pub into the mezzanine atop the Bowling Alley and turn the entirety of the bar into a massive liquor store.
That's about when he met the guy's behind Urban Cellars, a small prairie liquor store franchise with outlets in Saskatoon, Regina and Swift Current and he got on board.
The Offsale didn't take a single day off while they were turning it into Urban Cellars. Chuck told Moose Jaw Today the story with noticeable excitement. They built the South side while operating out of the North side, then vice versa after the South side was complete.
The building may look different but the spirit of the establishment will not be forgotten. "We wanted to keep Chillers' Ice Cold Beer though," he said "It's the coldest beer in town. That didn't change. We double-engineered the walk-in fridge so it stays at 36.5 degrees."
Chuck recognizes that there is still a need for a small bar on South Hill and although Urban Cellars opened against a wave of private liquor franchising, he's happy to be the guy serving South Hill and isn't upset about the competition.
"This has turned out a little better than we ever thought," Chuck admitted. "We see new people coming in all the time".
From a management perspective Heather says she's much happier with direction the company went in.
"It's so amazing how a business has changed this much," she said, adding, "we have our regular customers as well as seeing lots of new faces."
Heather was glad to offer some cocktail suggestions in preparation for the hot summer.
"To help beat the heat we have a good supply of the usual fall-back for hot weather. BEER! We are also building up our selection of local craft beers. Seltzers are the "'n' thing at the present time and we have a good selection of them, along with other new RTD’s, Mudshakes & Margaritas."
As for the next big change at Chillers? Chuck has been considering a drive-thru window.
