BIG GAMBLE: Hedley christened the brand-new $15 million Hard Rock Casino Vancouver— the reimaged Boulevard Casino located in Coquitlam. The pop rock group headlined the property-wide grand opening festivities. More than 5,000 guests filed through the glitzy 80,000 square feet space decked out in rock ‘n roll memorabilia. Between games of chance, attendees enjoyed culinary delights from the property’s seven restaurants and music from three live venues, including the Theatre at the Hard Rock Casino, where Jacob Hoggard and his bandmates rocked out.
GLOWBAL WARMING: Emad Yacoub’s Glowbal Collection of restaurants teamed up with Union Gospel Mission for its fifth Table For 2,000 Christmas Dinner, providing a holiday feast to residents of the Downtown Eastside. Princess Avenue was closed off for the annual block party fronted by Glowbal chefs, kitchen staff and a dedicated army of 250 volunteers. Thanks to the generosity of businesses and individuals, Yacoub, recently named Canada’s Restaurateur of the Year, served up a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings to make the season a little brighter.
HOLIDAY HEARTWARMER: A decade-long tradition continued as management and staff at two White Spot restaurant locations opened their doors on Christmas day and donated their time, tips and net proceeds to charity. Workers at Richmond Centre and Kingsway raised nearly $17,000 for the Richmond Hospital Foundation and Variety — The Children’s Charity.
