Publican

When the Beach Boys turned the phrase “Good
Vibrations” into everyday vernacular, feeling the
vibe became synonymous with having a good
time. For pubs and other gathering spots, a good
vibe is almost as essential as air; after all, when
customers walk in, it’s the vibe that will encourage
them to stay and hopefully return. Creating vibe
not only takes originality and vision, it means
instilling these qualities across 3 key categories:
a) décor and/or theme, b) music, and c) product
mix and promotion.
The Cheers Vibe
For George Petropavlis, creating good vibe is
rooted in building community. As owner of the
multi-award-winning River’s Reach Pub in New
Westminster, he has established one of the Royal
City’s most happening places. “I really wanted
a venue that shared, and connected people to
the amazing early history of New Westminster,”
he recalls. “Right from the start, it gave the pub
character and a dimension that anchors everything
we do, from how we relate to our customers to
décor choices that celebrate the city’s 1900s.” In
terms of the latter, Petropavlis admits to being an
avid follower of classic movies and TV shows such
as Murdoch Mysteries. “I get a lot of ideas from the
sets because they are so detailed and authentic
Photo courtesy of River's Reach
Elements of nostalgia promote conversation, often
between strangers, as well as a sense of comfort.
looking. I often see a lamp, a comfortable chair,
or some memorabilia that I know would work in
the pub, and finding something similar becomes
somewhat of a mission. Elements of nostalgia
promote conversation, often between strangers,
as well as a sense of comfort. I believe that’s what
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