The Firefighters' Public House in Burnaby opened as a private club for firefighters in 1963 but has since opened to the public while maintaining a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Operations manager Kelly Matiowski notes that the pub has become a place where people can relax and socialize, with many customers returning regularly or meeting new friends. In addition to food and drink specials, the pub hosts various events and entertainment. Matiowski is pleased that customers feel at home in the inviting space and hopes to attract more visitors through word-of-mouth as the local population grows.

2. EFirefighters’ Public House and Restaurant
It’s a rare thing to create a space that is
“We’re right here in Metrotown, so we’re
both entertaining and inviting, that pro-vides
finding that with the developments it’s re-ally
the fun of a night out along with
a big growth, it’s a prime area to be in
the comfort of a friend’s home.
– and then you have people who are shop-ping
But the Firefighters’ Public House has
on a Saturday and they pop down for
done just that.
something to eat and a drink,” he says.
Though the pub and restaurant opened
“We’re seeing new faces all the time.”
its doors two years ago to the public, it
Matiowski notes that the size of the
has maintained the cozy, friendly atmo-sphere
space allows them to run special events
that was bred in the years prior,
– parties, birthdays, fundraisers – and
when it was a private club for Burnaby
that they keep the calendar full of unique
and Vancouver firefighters.
activities for the customers.
“In 1963, the original Burnaby and
“We have food features every day, $5
Vancouver founding members’ generosity
appy times, we run contests, we’ve got
resulted in the opening of the Firefight-ers
CFL, NHL, World Cup, Champion’s League,
Social and Athletic Club - somewhere
everything. We have live entertainment
for the firefighters and their guests to
every Friday and Saturday, with some of
relax, and unwind,” says Kelly Matiowski,
the lower mainland›s best bands,” he says.
operations manager. “So for years, it was
“There’s always something happening,
a private club. But what we offered to the
and people enjoying themselves. It often
firefighters is now open to everyone, and
feels like you’re at that great house party
the people who have found us have really
at a friend’s place.”
loved the atmosphere and people here.
He says the menu is North American
It’s just got that special thing – a lot of
casual dining – “laid back” favourites
people come in for the first time by them-selves,
like hot wings and burgers, with plenty
to have a bite to eat or for happy
of unique mains so there’s something for
hour, and then they meet people and build
everyone, along with drink specials and
these friendships and before they know it,
tried-and-true classics.
they’re part of the family.”
“It’s just good food, good drinks,” he
Matiowski says he’s thrilled with the
said.
feedback he hears from people – that the
There’s about 20 staff at the Public
Public House is inviting, comfortable, and
House, says Matiowski.
welcoming.
“I’ve been here about 17 years myself,
“That’s what you want, that’s what you
and many of the staff have been here a
hope for – that you create a space that
long time – it’s a family for us too, it’s a
people really enjoy coming to and feel at
great team.”
home,” he said. “A lot of people still don’t
He notes that they keep an active pres-ence
know they can come in here because they
on social media, with a Facebook
think it’s a private space, so when they
page and a Twitter profile, so customers
discover us, and we see them come back
can check out what’s coming up, but the
again and again, then we know we’re do-ing
best referral is still word of mouth.
something right.”
“We love hearing that someone told
As the secret gets out, the business is
a friend to come check us out,” he said.
growing – helped along by the population
“The door is open, we’re a great group –
boom in the area.
we hope more people discover us.”
9 BURNABY
PROFILES OF Excellence
“It’s just got that
special thing – a
lot of people
come in for the first
time by themselves
… then they meet
people and build
these friendships and
before they know it,
they’re part of the
family.”
6515 Bonsor St.
Burnaby, BC
604-437-4347
www.firefightersclub.com
PHOTO: From the left: Operations Manager Kelly Matiowski, Chef John Lewis,
Associate Manager Kara Colley, Chyln Smith. (Missing from photo: Sous Chef Steve Riely)