Kitchener seeking applicants for new restaurant at The Aud

Calling all entrepreneurs!

The City of Kitchener is accepting applications for a new restaurant operator at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex.

Council approved the transformation of its Subscriber’s Lounge into a 2,300-square-foot restaurant, with capacity for 120 guests, in May 2025.

“The city invites restaurateurs to deliver a vibrant full-service dining experience at The Aud – one that celebrates local flavour and community spirit,” a media release said. “With craft beer on tap, locally sourced ingredients, and TV screens broadcasting the facility’s live events like Rangers and Titans games, concerts and more, the restaurant will deliver the energy and excitement of a modern sports bar.”

The Kitchener Rangers will also be upgrading their fitness centre, player’s lounge and physical therapy spaces, as well as creating a media and scout area. The organization said it will be covering the cost of those renovations, which is budgeted at $2.5 million.

The city’s portion of project is an estimated $2 million, with the taxpayers covering 25 per cent of the cost.

“Whether you’re there to cheer on the Rangers or Titans, watching your child’s sporting activity, catching a concert or coming for an e-Sports tournament, we want every guest to feel like they’re getting a VIP experience,” Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said in the media release. “This exciting renovation will further maintain The Aud as this area’s premiere multi-purpose venue and creates opportunities for even bigger, bolder events in the future.”

The owner will be responsible for the restaurant’s menu, kitchen and front-of-house operations, bar operations, staffing and training.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m.

More information can be found on the city’s website.