The Ruby is officially heading west and longtime fans will soon have a new reason to brunch closer to home.
The locally owned Victoria favourite has announced plans to open a new location in Colwood this spring, marking its third location overall and its first in the West Shore.
The upcoming spot will open on Wale Road in the former Sawmill Taphouse & Grill space, a location many locals may also remember as 328 Taphouse. The windows at the building have already been wrapped, making the expansion public knowledge.
“We will be opening on Wale Road in what was once the Sawmill Taphouse and Grill,” said co-owner Josh Goyert.
While an exact opening date hasn’t been locked in, Goyert says the plan is firmly set for spring.
“Construction is too unpredictable for me to give a date at this time, but it will certainly be this spring, hopefully early spring,” he said.
Ruby first launched in Victoria in 2014, opening its original location on Douglas Street before expanding to Johnson Street.
Since those early days, the restaurant has built a loyal following for its refined take on brunch, blending eclectic southern-inspired dishes with scratch cooking, a standout vinyl collection, and warm, memorable service.
According to Goyert, the Colwood location will feel familiar to Ruby regulars while also reflecting how the brand has grown over the years.
“This Ruby will be similar to our other Rubys, but it will reflect our growth within the industry,” he said. “It will be the next step in the evolution of the brand, and with that it will bring some fresh and exciting new elements.”
The decision to expand west was both strategic and personal. Colwood is a fast-growing community and it is also where co-owner Chris Jones grew up.
“We have always had our eye on the West Shore,” Goyert said.
Beyond the food, Ruby has long emphasized its people-first approach. The restaurant is known for prioritizing employee wellness, something the team says is felt in both the service and the food.
Ruby’s mission is to create a warm and inviting environment paired with an exceptional menu and smart, kind service that leaves guests energized and feeling at home.
For now, many details about the new space are being kept under wraps, but Goyert says there is plenty to be excited about.
“We have some very exciting things to show everyone, but for now I don’t want to give too much away,” he said.
Ruby teased the expansion earlier this week with a simple message on social media saying, “See you soon Colwood.”
Judging by the response, West Shore brunch lovers are more than ready.
