An Edmonton institution known for its raucous karaoke nights has undergone a dramatic transformation. Rosie's Bar and Grill, a fixture just off Whyte Avenue for 35 years, closed its doors in November 2023 for a major renovation and has now reopened under a new name and vision.
From Rosie's to Chiers: A New Era Begins
The beloved pub, long celebrated for its all-day breakfast, late weekend hours, and packed karaoke sessions four nights a week, held its final bash under the Rosie's banner late last year. Patrons were notified via social media and a sign on the door that the location at 104 Street would return in December after renovations. True to that promise, Chiers Pub and Grill began its soft opening on Christmas Eve, marking a new chapter for the space.
The new co-owners, Deokwoo "Tim" Joo and Hyunsoo "Peter" Eun, also operate Knights Pub and Grill in north Edmonton. They had been searching for over a year to open a second location as part of a goal to eventually run five pubs across the city. Their initial visit to the then-Rosie's on a quiet Monday evening in July left them unimpressed. "We picked the wrong day. It was dead," Joo admitted.
Karaoke Connoisseurs and a Weekend Revelation
The potential of the location, however, was revealed on a subsequent weekend visit. The duo was astonished by the vibrant energy. "It was packed, and they were singing and dancing," Joo recalled, noting the karaoke party seemed to last for "four days straight." Eun echoed the sentiment, stating, "We hadn't seen that. It's crazy. People were crazy." This experience convinced them to purchase the business, though they initially didn't set out to own a karaoke bar.
Longtime patrons like Stephen Raitz, a self-described karaoke connoisseur and former host from the nearby Ritchie neighborhood, have watched the transition closely. Raitz cherished Rosie's unique character—its paintings, dated furniture, and layered aesthetic he likened to an '80s/'90s vibe. He saw it as the perfect place to "crank it up to 11" at the end of a night of bar hopping.
Non-Stop Singing and Strategic Expansion
While the name, decor, and ownership have changed, one core tradition remains paramount: karaoke. In fact, Chiers Pub is taking it to the next level. The new owners plan to host karaoke seven nights a week, doubling down on the feature that made the location famous.
The renovation has refreshed the interior, shedding the decades-old layers for a new look. The rebranding to Chiers Pub and Grill represents a fusion of the owners' Canadian-Korean background and their pub management expertise. Their strategy is clear: retain the magnetic, community-driven appeal of nightly singing while modernizing the venue and expanding their footprint in Edmonton's competitive hospitality scene.
The evolution from Rosie's to Chiers signifies more than a simple name change. It represents the passing of a torch, a respectful nod to a 35-year legacy, and a bold bet that the heart of this off-Whyte Avenue venue—its capacity for shared, musical joy—is its greatest asset. Only time will tell if non-stop karaoke can recapture the magic that made Rosie's a destination for generations of Edmontonians.
