After nearly 79 years of having the keys to the Strathcona Hotel, the owners are putting all their properties up for sale.
The Olsons have had the business in their family for three generations and it all began with Barney Olson, who opened the Strathcona in 1946.
He passed the keys to his children John and Keith who ran the business and built upon the legacy their father created.
Now, Grant, Craig and Kirk Olson run the businesses in collaboration with their cousins.
However, this week Victoria Buzz acquired a letter from the Olsons to their entire staff regarding the fact they have decided to sell off all their properties.
The businesses they will be selling include a hotel, nine bars, a live music venue and a liquor store under the banners of the Strathcona Hotel, the Sticky Wicket, Wicket Hall, the Strath Liquor Store, Big Bad John’s and the Maple Room.
“Selling a business like the Strath can take years,” wrote Kirk, Craig and Grant Olson in a letter to their staff.
“Should we find a buyer we can’t imagine any major changes happening to the business for several years to come. A new owner will bring new energy and ideas to the business which can only be positive.”
They added that things around their places of business would be “business as usual” until a buyer for all their properties comes forward.
The Olsons say that they and their team have been actively booking concerts into the fall and have even got some Christmas parties on the docket for November.
“We are so proud of the entire Strath team and only wish the best for everyone going forward,” they concluded.
Details on the cost of the businesses are unavailable at this time.
