Opening of new eatery on Esplanade Riel could be delayed

A new restaurant scheduled to open on the Esplanade Riel Bridge may have to simmer a little longer.

Owners of Chez Sophie, the eatery tasked with taking over the space from Salisbury House, said there is still a lot of work to do on the space.

In addition, owners said they are still waiting for their liquor license.

The restaurant was chosen to take over the space in February, after Salisbury Houses lease expired. It was set to open next week, but now that date might be pushed back.

When the restaurant opens it will offer a dining area, bar and boutique. It will seat 80 people and have a capacity of about 130. It will also offer bilingual menus, signage and staff.

Chez Sophie has signed a five-year lease on the space and allowed CBC cameras in to take a look at their progress in getting the place ready for its first customers.