Article content The former Portside Beer Garden, shown in this June 2025 photo along the Sydney boardwalk, had been dormant since its closure in 2023. Photo by IAN NATHANSON/CAPE BRETON POST FILEArticle content2023 CLOSUREArticle contentEllis, who owned and operated several restaurants in the Sydney area but struggled largely under the weight of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, decided to permanently close the Portside Beer Garden in 2023 following issues with renewing a lease, owed property taxes and essentially “a battle” with Cape Breton Regional Municipality administrators of the day.Article contentOn top of that, the property where the Portside building sits will ultimately be turned into a mixed residential/commercial complex owned by Westmount-born Doug Doucet and his Bedford-based firm, Doucet Developments. But with that project on hold for the moment, the current CBRM administration has given Botte, Greening and Rudderham the go-ahead to get their operation in motion.Article content“Dealing with the CBRM, particularly Mayor Cecil Clarke, was an absolutely wonderful experience. They were so open to listen,” Rudderham said. “And then the Ellis family on top of that, has been just wonderful to deal with.”Article contentArticle content“We wanted to advance the legacy that he set, and try to continue to build off the work that was done — not erase it, not override it,” Greening added. “We’re not the same thing, but we’re not an entirely new venture either, because we all loved what Portside was to so many people.”Article content Sydney restaurateur Danny Ellis, shown in this 2023 photo, operated Portside Beer Garden between 2018 and 2022, and opted to close the operation in 2023. “I want it open for the waterfront. I think it should be there,” Ellis told the Cape Breton Post in a recent interview. Photo by IAN NATHANSON/CAPE BRETON POST FILEArticle contentPRO-WATERFRONTArticle contentIn a June interview with the Cape Breton Post, Ellis himself said he supported the idea of keeping the Portside operation open — this despite all that he went through that led to his decision to shutter the business in 2023.Article content“I want it open for the waterfront. I think it should be there,” he said.Article contentOf the new owners, who weren’t officially revealed at that time, Ellis said, “They’re local people and good people — and I would never just throw something in there willy nilly and open up. They have ties to the entertainment industry, and ties to the food business.Article contentArticle content“And when I talked to Cecil, I found out that he’s very pro waterfront. He said (at the time), there is still a very slight chance that this season can be good to go.”Article contentBotte said they just secured the lease on the property in June, so everything “has been a whirlwind” in trying to get everything ready to go before officially opening.Article contentHe said the trio will hold another pop-up soft launch this weekend, partnering with Undercurrent Youth Centre, “with a portion of sales through that (to) be donated to Undercurrent,” Botte said.Article contentThe outdoor eatery’s lounge licence officially takes effect on July 21, when Botte hopes that if all goes well, he anticipates a potential official opening — and running until possibly into early November, weather permitting.Article content“I’d love to have a Halloween party set up for here,” Botte said.Article contentADJUSTMENTS AS THEY GOArticle contentBut all three say they recognize that as a first-year venture, adjustments will be made.Article contentAll are open to receiving constructive feedback from the community on what works with the new venture. One idea put forth was a “Mocktail Mondays,” which would serve non-alcoholic cocktails to an all-ages group on Monday evenings.Article content“We’re (also) aiming to have live music six nights a week, for instance,” Botte said. “And as of right now, the hours of operation will be from 4 p.m. until 12 midnight. If staff is available, and if we can manage it, I’d love to have the place open for lunches as well, but it’s one of those walk-before-you-run type of things.”Article content
Former Portside eatery gets new owners, new menu, new name
