Phillips Brewery is teaming up with local food brand Roast to launch a new pop-up at its tasting room this summer.
Set to open on May 12, the collaboration will offer a fresh dining experience that pairs locally crafted beer with Roast’s signature roasted meats, sandwiches, sides, and seasonal specials. The pop-up will run through September.
The partnership comes as Roast was searching for a new home following changes at the Victoria Public Market, which is being converted into a No Frills grocery store.
However, Roast owner Maryanne Carmack says the brand had been exploring new opportunities for some time.
“We’ve been the anchor tenant at the market for 12 years, but it was time for a change,” Carmack said. “It had to be the right fit, so I reached out to a few trusted people in the industry. We are excited to bring our decades of hospitality experience to Phillips."
One of those people was Matt Phillips, founder of Phillips Brewing, who encouraged her to connect with Phillips’ CEO Jim Lister.
Lister was immediately interested in the idea.
“Roast has a tremendous local following, and we’ve been looking for ways to offer a more robust food program to our guests,” Lister said. “It’s a natural fit. Great beer deserves great food, and Roast has been a favourite of ours for years.”
The pop-up will feature a rotating menu of lunch and dinner options, paired with Phillips’ craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
To accommodate the new food offerings, the Government Street tasting room will undergo minor renovations, including 30 additional seats and a refreshed interior.
“It’s all about enhancing the experience,” Carmack said. “We’re bringing our traditional menu, but also adding some upscale pub-style options to match the vibe of the Tasting Room.”
Both businesses are committed to creating a community-focused experience, having spent several years just blocks apart in downtown Victoria.
“It’s exciting to bring our customers here and introduce them to the new location,” Carmack said. “We’ve always been a lunchtime favourite, but now we’re excited to serve a dinner crowd as well. This partnership really complements both of us.”
Lister agrees, emphasizing the value of collaboration in the local business community.
“We’ve always been committed to supporting local, and this partnership is a great example of two businesses working together to help each other thrive,” he said.
The launch also coincides with the Tasting Room’s seven-year anniversary, adding to the excitement of the May long weekend.
“We’re planning some special activities to celebrate both the anniversary and Roast’s debut at Phillips,” Lister said.
As the summer progresses, both Carmack and Lister say they’re open to extending the partnership beyond September.
“It’s too early to tell,” Carmack said. “But we’re flexible and will listen to our customers to see how we can make it work. For now, we’re just focused on providing a great experience.”
With the promise of excellent food, refreshing drinks, and a lively atmosphere, the Phillips and Roast collaboration is poised to be a standout of Victoria’s summer season.
