Scott Stanfield

Record Staff

Kory Wagstaff has already received about 20 reservations for Christmas at the Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar.

Not bad, considering his Courtenay restaurant is still under construction at 1089 Braidwood Rd., visible from Ryan Road.

The establishment, which opens mid- to late-July, will feature a steak-style menu with pizza, pasta, seafood, tapas and an assortment of appetizers.

"Just a lot of creative blends of food that can hopefully cater to a lot of different audiences in the Valley," said Wagstaff, who has worked in the restaurant business throughout B.C., largely Victoria, at both corporate and non-corporate stores.

"This is taking what I'm used to and what I know and trying to put it all under one roof. Take all the great things that make all those corporate stores very successful."

Wagstaff moved to the Valley in 2008 after completing a masters in business at UVic. He created the Prime Real Estate team at Coast Realty Group along with Heather Mossauer.

The Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar will have "that Keg-Earl's-Moxie's-Cactus side" where patrons can choose to dress up for a big meal or come in jeans for nachos, beer and wings.

There will be a dining room, lounge and patio area, along with two "breakout rooms," fully integrated in terms of wireless fax.

"There's a bunch of different areas where you can sit and relax and have a different experience," Wagstaff said. "We're pretty excited in what we've created. Now we just have to make sure everything else is as seamless as possible, from pricing to good quality and good service, to the environment, lighting and music...Everything."

A chef and management personnel are in place.

Wagstaff is holding a hiring fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 26 and 27 at North Island College. He is looking for various staff, including servers, busers, hostess', line cooks and dishwashers.

reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com