Rudy Tomazic admits he had second thoughts about opening a new bar in the middle of a pandemic.
But he鈥檚 forging ahead with a spirit of optimism that his Friends of Dorothy Lounge 鈥� an upscale establishment catering to both LGBTQ2 and straight patrons 鈥� is 鈥渨anted and will be welcomed鈥� in downtown Victoria.
Tomazic is remodelling the former Willie鈥檚 Bakery location at 537 Johnson St., replicating his Friends of Dorothy Lounge in Kelowna. The heritage-style building, which housed sa国际传媒鈥檚 longest running bakery for more than 115 years before it closed in 2018, was most recently a Tree Restaurant location, but that, too, closed this year.
鈥淚 might be crazy to do this in the middle of the pandemic, but the advantage is we鈥檙e building it with COVID safety features in mind,鈥� Tomazic said Friday. 鈥淲hen this pandemic is all over, we鈥檒l be established.鈥� The venue is set to open on Dec. 15.
Tomazic calls the Friends of Dorothy Lounge a queer space with an inclusive environment, offering everything from casual cocktails to 鈥渄ramatic drag brunch.鈥�
As for the name, Tomazic said, historically, the term 鈥渇riend of Dorothy鈥� was a euphemistic way to 鈥渙ut鈥� oneself without fear of violence or discrimination.
References to The Wizard of Oz and gay icon Judy Garland pop up in cocktail names such as No Place Like Home, Lions Tigers and Bears, Wicked Witch, I鈥檓 Melting, Oh My and Not in Kansas.
The goal is for a 鈥渧isually stunning space,鈥� Tomazic said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e described as punk chic meets Louis XIV,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e maintained the elegant look we鈥檙e known for, but in a way that complements our historic 140-year-old Victoria building.
鈥淲e wanted to keep the architectural features of 14-foot ceilings and exposed brickwork to make the interior feel unique, with lots of brass, warm colours and jewel tones. It鈥檚 cosy, upscale and retro all at once.鈥�
The statement piece is a two-metre chandelier in the centre of the room.
Tomazic said he鈥檚 investing between $250,000 and $300,00 in the building. Capacity is for 110 patrons, including the outdoor covered patio, but it will initially be designed for 80 to accommodate social distancing.
The lounge plans to offer drag performances with local talent, live music, comedy shows and live-streaming events in accordance with provincial health requirements. 鈥淲e want this space to be safe and enjoyable for all,鈥� said Tomazic.
Like its Kelowna counterpart, the new location will serve cocktails, local draft beers and gourmet bites from 4 to 10 p.m. It will also offer daily breakfast and brunch service from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Unlike the Kelowna location, which is a 19+ establishment, Friends of Dorothy Lounge in Victoria is able to welcome people of all ages due to different licensing.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited that families will be able to join us in Victoria,鈥� said Tomazic. 鈥淧arents are more engaged with their children now about queerness and we hope families of all types will join us to dine and for the live entertainment.鈥�
Victoria is already home to the Vicious Poodle and Paparazzi Night Club, both on Johnson Street, but Tomazic said the region can support another LGBTQ2 establishment.
He said he鈥檚 already feeling welcome in Victoria, as neighbouring businesses have been dropping by to wish him well.
鈥淚t鈥檚 humbling and reassuring to see that during these difficult times,鈥� said Tomazic.
