An iconic chapter in Calgary's dining scene is coming to a close, as Murrieta's Bar and Grill will shut down its long-time Stephen Avenue location next year after a quarter-century of service. The restaurant, however, plans to live on, with its owners actively searching for a new home in the city's core.
The End of an Era on Stephen Avenue
Ron Salverda, the operating partner and creator of Murrieta's, confirmed the restaurant will serve its last meal at 808 1st St. S.W. on April 30, 2026. The closure coincides with the end of the lease for their second-floor space in the historic Alberta Hotel Building.
Salverda explained that the decision was driven by an inability to reach a new agreement with the landlord and the financial impracticality of the large, 9,000-square-foot space. "Unfortunately, we couldn’t come to an equitable agreement with our landlord," Salverda said. "Just with the size of the space and the marketplace, it doesn’t make sense to renovate a 9,000 square foot space for us. It doesn’t work out financially."
A New Chapter and a Search for the Right Space
Despite the impending closure, Salverda is emphatic that this is not the end for Murrieta's. He is currently on the hunt for a new, more suitably sized downtown location, ideally around 6,000 square feet.
"I’m looking for the right location, the right spot, the right size," he stated, expressing strong confidence in the city's future. "The Murrieta’s camp is going strong. We just finished our best year ever. I believe Murrieta’s does belong downtown Calgary, and we just got to find the right location. I’m very bullish on Calgary."
Celebrating 25 Years with Legacy Menus and a New Venture
To mark its final months in the historic location, Murrieta's plans to celebrate its legacy. Salverda said the restaurant will bring back classic dishes from its 25-year history, potentially at their original price points, and is considering reviving live entertainment.
In a parallel development, Salverda announced a new restaurant called Alva, set to open in June of next year. It will be located in the neighbouring Edison building and will feature a Canadiana theme inspired by the history of Thomas Edison, whose parents lived in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
While the Stephen Avenue doors will close, the story of Murrieta's in Calgary is poised to continue, reflecting both an end and a new beginning for a beloved local institution.
