Water Tower Grill -- credit to Water Tower Grill

By Amplify

Supporting local: Butte Hospitality looking to grow in Southern Alberta

Jun 30, 2021 | 1:16 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Butte Hospitality which owns the Water Tower Grill and Bar in Lethbridge, has been an integral part of Lethbridge’s skyline since its completion in 1959.

Back then, the tower stored and supplied Lethbridge with clean drinking water. Like many other small towns, Lethbridge updated their water supply shortly before the turn of the Millenium, leaving the water tower an obsolete monument from a different time.

In March 2003, a local businessman and architect took over the building, saving it from destruction and creating a restaurant with an amazing view for the whole community to enjoy.

The Water Tower Grill may be their most glamorous location, but it certainly isn’t their only one.

Butte Hospitality also owns a successful Lethbridge pub in downtown called Telegraph Taphouse and Cattleman’s Chophouse inside the Picture Butte Hotel.

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Starting with Ram and Olga Khanal, from Nepal and Ukraine respectively, the Butte Hospitality family has always welcomed new faces, new ideas, and new dishes representing the diversity in Canada.

In 2015, what was once a tiny town bar, the Picture Butte Hotel & Tavern was Khanal’s first step in creating their vision of a restaurant rooted in the community and inspired by the flavours of the world.

Then in 2017, not content to sit on their heels and ride the success of their first endeavor, Ram and Olga jumped at the chance to own the Telegraph Taphouse when it came up for sale. As a PBH restaurant, it has remained a cornerstone, connecting them to the heart of Lethbridge and Southern

After purchasing the Water Tower in 2019, the Khanal’s weren’t finished just yet.

In 2021, with three successful restaurants up and running, Ram and Olga decided the old Picture Butte Hotel & Tavern needed a makeover. They partnered with local contractors to renovate the whole first floor, expanding the liquor store, and creating a modern, classic atmosphere to enhance the

Ram says each business he owns prioritizes shopping locally for all his supplies.

“All our meats are from Picture Butte, local farmers, beef is from there, fruits and vegetables we are buying from multiple local suppliers.”

Ram estimates each of his business uses over 60% of their supplies come locally grown or raised.

Over the past year, Ram says business has been hard due to the pandemic, which won’t stop him from hoping to grow each of his locations.

“As we grow, we look forward to bringing our particular brand of connection to the rest of Alberta and beyond.”

To explore the Khanal’s story and locations, go to ButteHospitality.

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