Otter Co-op is expanding its newly-developed liquor division with three new locations in the province, including its first brewery and pub.
Announced Friday, the Aldergrove-borne enterprise plans to convert the Highwayman Liquor Store in Abbotsford into its sixth Angry Otter Liquor location on Aug. 31.
The Highwayman pub – at 32470 Simon Ave. – will be one of the Co-op’s first-ever hospitality locations and will retain its name.
This news comes just a week after the cooperative announced its plans to break ground in Summerland with a fifth location, in place of Peacock’s Perch liquor store.
Not only that, Otter is nearing a deal to purchase a North Vancouver tap house and brewery, the Hearthstone, which is owned by the Springs Group of liquor stores.
The brewery will also retain its current name.
READ MORE: Otter Co-op opens up shop in East Abbotsford
Co-op CEO Jack Nicholson said the acquisition gives the business an opportunity to complete the “full circle” of liquor production – starting with grain currently grown by Co-op farmers to the brewery processing them into Angry Otter beer and spirits.
Alcoholic beverages made will be sold in the Co-op’s chain of liquor stores, including the forthcoming Angry Otter at Peacock’s Perch – with a name that pays tribute to its Summerland heritage.
“We are delighted to continue expanding in the Okanagan,” Nicholson enthused.
“We look forward to joining the Summerland neighborhood and becoming a member of your community,” he voiced to locals.
Peacock’s Perch will join three other Angry Otter Liquor stores in the Fraser Valley – with two locations currently in East Abbotsford and one soon-to-be in place of the Highwayman liquor store.
Have you tried our Angry Otter Wine yet? We have a red, white, and chardonnay, all of which are ORGANIC, LOCAL and ON…
Posted by Angry Otter Liquor on Tuesday, June 16, 2020
RELATED: Otter Co-op’s first liquor location diversifies its retail offerings to Aldergrove
Co-op first launched its venture in liquor on Feb. 2019, with its first store Liquor on 248th built next to its flagship Aldergrove retail operation.
The store was rebranded along with other operating locations, in January, to suit the name of its signature wines – Angry Otter.
“As we are not able to have the stores branded Otter Co-op under current legislation, we feel this is a nice alternative to recognize that Angry Otter is part of the Otter family of brands,” explained Nicholson.
The current purchase date set for the Hearthstone Brewery is Sept. 1.
