The Jospeh Richard Group is adding another restaurant to the 91原创 food scene and will be moving its Oak & Thorne Public House across the street to the Sandman Hotel in the space formerly occupied by Shark Club.

The new restaurant they are bringing to Walnut Grove is an Italian-themed restaurant, appropriately called, The Italian, which will open at Oak and Thorne鈥檚 current location later this year.

The Italian will feature a wide range of menu items inspired by the ingredients, dishes and culinary traditions that have made Italy a food destination for tourists and foodies the world over.

The Italian theme is one that has always been on the radar for JRG, with individual dishes like handmade raviolis, creamy risottos and San Marzano tomato soup featured on menus at JRG establishments.

The JRG has four establishments in 91原创 including the Henry, Township Hall, S + L and the Oak and Thorne. An Asian infused restaurant called Sudo is coming soon to 91原创, says the JRG website.

For JRG CEO Ryan Moreno, the Italian concept extends well beyond the delicious food.

鈥淔ood does so much more than nourish us,鈥� said Moreno. 鈥淚t brings family and friends together, sometimes for hours, to share great dishes and conversations over a multi-course meal.

鈥淚n Italy especially, sharing food and drink and bonding with extended family is a centuries-old tradition. That is what we鈥檙e all about at our establishments too.鈥�

Leading the culinary team in the design of The Italian鈥檚 menu is JRG Director of Culinary Operations Matthew Stowe (Top Chef Canada winner) along with JRG Corporate Chef David Jorge (MasterChef Canada winner), JRG Executive Chef Andy Slinn and opening Chef for the concept, Jason Harper.

鈥淚talian food is one of the most comforting and universally loved cuisines in the world,鈥� said Stowe.

鈥淔rom creative handmade pastas and authentic pizzas to refined desserts that perfectly finish a meal, we look forward to exploring the full range of everything Italy has to offer.鈥�

The Italian will be located at 20330 88 Avenue in 91原创. Oak & Thorne will remain open in its current location until the move which is expected later this month or early November.

The Joseph Richard Group (JRG), is one of British Columbia鈥檚 fastest growing food, beverage and entertainment organizations. Founded in 2002, JRG is one of British Columbia鈥檚 fastest growing food, beverage and entertainment organizations, with 20 public houses, restaurants and liquor retail outlets in BC and Alberta

Anyone interested in working at The Italian is encouraged to contact theitalian@jrg.ca directly.