The team behind Wind Cries Mary and Rudi have announced Birdman, their latest concept which will be opening soon in Victoria’s downtown core.
Cottage Hospitality Group says that Birdman will be set to open on Friday, May 22nd, and will be located at 537 Johnson Street—the former location of Friends of Dorothy.
Friends of Dorothy’s old space along LoJo has been vacant since January 2026 when the club’s owners announced a “hiatus” and to re-evaluate its operations while teasing about a potential move.
The new concept moving into the space actually isn’t all that new, as Birdman has been the essence of Wind Cries Mary’s late-night fried chicken menu for years.
Now, Birdman will soon be its own Southern-inspired restaurant built around fried chicken, oysters and sauces that are “worth passing.”
According to Executive Chef and Partner David Healey, customers can expect stacked handhelds, oysters every way, mac and cheese and house-baked pies.
(More below)
For beverages the restaurant will reportedly focus on its wine list that will have plenty of sparkling, very shareable and intentionally indulgent vintages.
The space will feature booths, curtains and tucked-away corners to create privacy without isolation.
The decor will have prominent vinyl, chrome and tactile finishes nod to nostalgic diners and basement bars.
More to come as the restaurant gets closer to opening! Follow Birdman on Instagram to stay in the loop!
💬 Join the conversation
1 person is talking about this
