Downtown Kelowna restaurant Krafty Kitchen & Bar closing after 10 years – Kelowna News

Photo: Cindy White

Krafty Kitchen & Bar on Lawrence Ave. in Kelowna is closing after 10 years in business.

It’s the end of an era for a Kelowna chef.

Chris Shaften is putting both of his restaurants, Krafty Kitchen & Bar and Orchard Room up for sale. He says he made the decision for personal reasons.

“There’s been a lot of challenges in the last year, obviously. And that has really brought to light that the next phase is life it is not going to be reasonable to have the demands of small business ownership while I look to start a family,” Shaften told Castanet.

“I’m 41 years old and I just don’t think that the lifestyle is something that I think would be fair to a wife and children.”

He will continue his private chef business as well as leading cooking classes at Lakehouse Kitchens. He also might consider becoming an instructor in the Culinary and Pastry Arts program at Okanagan College.

Krafty has been a fixture at 281 Lawrence Avenue since it was launched by the former Top Chef Canada contestant from Calgary in August 2014.

“With heavy hearts, we are announcing Krafty is closing,” announced an email from the restaurant.

Earlier this year, sister restaurant Orchard Room, which is just a couple of doors down from Krafty, also announced big changes.

“While it’s the end of one chapter, it’s the beginning of a really exciting (not so) new one as we switch our focus to what Orchard does best – hosting private events,” said a social media post in March.

Shaften now says both establishments go on the market. He says with Water Street by the Park nearing completion, it’s a great location.

“When the buildings behind us are done, it’s going to be an amazing spot downtown,” said Shaften. “If it was 10 years ago. If I was 31 and chomping at the bit like I was it would be the perfect time to take on these spots.

“For my next 10 years, I don’t think it matches. I want to raise a family and be involved and actually contribute, “ he adds.

The final dinner service at Krafty Kitchen & Bar is on December 21, 2024, and the final brunch service will be on Dec. 22.