The Naramata Hospitality Limited Partnership Takes Ownership of the Historic Naramata Inn
Built in 1907, the Naramata Heritage Inn has been a hub for culture and recreation on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake for more than a century. It is with great pride that the Naramata Hospitality Limited Partnership announces today it has taken ownership of the storied Inn.
Constructed 113 years ago by the town’s founder, J.M. Robinson, the Naramata Inn would welcome some of the Okanagan’s very first tourists and go on to weave a colourful thread throughout Naramata’s history. The Partners want to build on that legacy, and write the Inn’s next chapter based on outstanding culinary experiences, warm Okanagan hospitality, and a true commitment to local artisanship.
The Inn will deliver a proudly “Naramatian” experience. From produce to proteins, the menus will be built around the best local growers and artisans in Naramata and the Valley. It will showcase the true depth and breadth of award-winning wines produced by British Columbia’s winemakers.
“The opportunity to reimagine a legacy property like the Naramata Inn is a real gift,” shares Paul Hollands. “We are looking forward to creating something that will have such a positive impact on the community, the Okanagan Valley and ultimately guests from all over the world.”
Guests can enjoy the new Naramata Inn as of May 2020.
Click here to learn more or visit the Inn on Instagram.
Composed of four of B.C.’s hospitality experts – Ned Bell, Kate Colley, Paul Hollands and Maria Wiesner – the Naramata Hospitality Limited Partnership has a deep appreciation for, and commitment to, the Okanagan Valley and all that it represents.
“I’ve had the good fortune to work around the globe in my 30-year career as a chef and culinary ambassador,” says Chef Ned Bell. “I’ve experienced many of the world’s finest food and wine regions. The Okanagan is the equal to any of them. We are so excited about the opportunity to invest and build our future here.“
About Naramata Inn
Built by J.M. Robinson in 1907, the historic Inn is perfectly situated between Lake Okanagan and the famous KVR trails, fruit orchards, vineyards and wineries. Today it features 12 period-style rooms, and soon, a hyper-local restaurant and bar.
About Naramata Hospitality Limited Partnership:
The Partnership formed through the unique combination of like-mindedness around food, hospitality, lifestyle, values, and dreams. The right opportunity to make a difference in the world has come together in the Naramata Inn. While the Okanagan – its communities, its food scene, its unparalleled beauty – has been a touchstone at various points in all four partners’ lives, the draw to return culminates with this dream project.
Ned Bell
Ned is a well-known Canadian culinary talent who has forged a path as a chef advocate, keynote speaker and educator. As one of the country’s leading chefs, he has used his voice, outgoing personality, and indomitable spirit to stand up for the world’s lakes, oceans and rivers. Ned has earned many honours over the years, most recently: Fellow of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (2019), Honorary Doctorate in Technology from Vancouver Island University (2019), SeaWeb Seafood Summit Global Champion Award (2017), and author of best selling cookbook Lure: Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the West Coast.
Kate Colley
Kate offers more than two decades of experience, education and relationships showing off the best of British Columbia’s beautiful destinations, award-winning eateries, culinary bright lights, a bounty of ingredients and, of course, terrific wines. Kate is a marketing communications specialist with a passion for wellness, who is incredibly excited to return to the Valley, employ her expertise, talents and work ethic, and lay down roots in the place she most loves – Naramata.
Maria Wiesner Maria values beauty, nature, family and community. Her life has focused on these key areas, along with a passion for design, landscaping and gardens. Leading the design and landscaping elements of the project, Maria is committed to the creation of something truly special and memorable that will inspire.
Paul Hollands After 35 years building one of Canada’s largest food services businesses, Paul retired as CEO of A&W Food Services of Canada in 2018. A&W has been recognized as one of the fastest growing, most innovative restaurant chains in Canada. Naramata Hospitality represents an opportunity to bring those years of experience building excellence to a smaller scale, hyper-focused food service and hospitality venture that has the potential to delight guests, while at the same time making a real difference in the local community and British Columbia as a whole.
Media release and two images provided by Krista Lochhead, Colley Communications Inc. Feature image courtesy of former manager, Naramata Inn, previously published June 15, 2017.
Original article published February 24, 2020. Updated April 15, 2020
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