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CAN'T FIND SOMETHING? |
Business in Vancouver December 30, 2008-January 5, 2009; issue 1001 Jeff Donnelly Founder and president, Donnelly Group of Companies, Age: 34 When your job involves jet-setting around the globe to sample the nightlife in the world’s best cities, it’s easy to understand Jeff Donnelly’s enthusiasm for his work. As president of the Donnelly Group of Companies, he oversees four nightclubs, four pubs and a restaurant. With about 270 employees and revenue in the tens of millions, Donnelly has developed Vancouver’s first branded nightlife experience. After opening Bimini’s Tap House in Kitsilano in 1999 and then the Granville Room in 2000, he followed up with the Calling and Loft Six in 2003. Library Square and a renovated Bar None followed in 2005. Republic opened its doors in 2006 while the Modern and the reinvigorated Lamplighter flew the Donnelly flag in 2007. Pop Opera opened in 2008. Donnelly started out working in hotels owned by his father. He was then hired as the general manager of the Red Lion Hotel in Victoria where he opened his first bar, the Black Irish Club in 1997. He was subsequently bought out and used the money to establish Bimini’s. He has had a hand in the look and feel of his establishments since day one. “I did it because I was on such a budget that I took on the design myself,” he said. “Because of my budget restraints, I had to start getting involved and learn about design myself.” He is active locally as a founder and director of Hospitality Vancouver, an association working with the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver police to improve the city’s nightlife experience. He also works with his mother, Pattie Donnelly, who is chair of the Donnelly Fund, a non-profit supporting local charities, and his brother, Matt Donnelly, who is the operating partner of Bimini’s and the Calling. “There is a great climate in the city of the owners getting together and trying to change the way people think about this city,” said Donnelly who is confident Vancouver’s reputation as a no-fun city will soon be a thing of the past. • Birthplace: Langley Where do you live now: Vancouver Highest level of education: College diploma Car or chosen mode of transport: Lexus SUV Hybrid Currently reading: The Gentlemen’s Clubs of London by Anthony LeJeune or the newest Class magazine, a U.K. bar culture magazine Last CD bought or music downloaded: Our DJs upload to my iPod Favourite movie: The Royal Tenenbaums Favourite local restaurant: Granville Room, Vij’s, Boneta Profession you would most like to try: Any sort of design, e.g. interior or graphic Mentor: The late Roger Chrisp (former co-owner of Le Crocodil) Toughest business or professional decision: To add vibrancy and continue the growth of the business within Vancouver rather than expand to other areas What’s left to do: There is still a stigma of “no-fun city” in Vancouver. We are working as a group within the hospitality industry to change that with progressive venues, higher standards for entertainment and levels of service and innovative ideas |
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