The Hitching Post Pub opens soon in Fort St. John with “Cowboy Hospitality.”

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new dining establishment is set to open its doors in Fort St. John in the New Year.

Local resident Danny Lapine took to Facebook to announce the imminent opening of his restaurant, The Hitching Post Pub and Grill.

Lapine paid tribute to Casey’s Pub and Grill in his post on Boxing Day.  

The popular eating establishment on 100th Avenue was lost due to a fire just before Christmas.

“I know that everyone is also really missing the old Casey’s Pub,” wrote Lapine on Facebook on Thursday, December 26th. “Although I shall forever miss not being able to ride my ponies over to Casey’s Pub ever again.”

“Soon, there will be a new spot to ride your pony over to, somewhere to tie your pony up beside the other ponies outside the pub.”

The restaurant, promising to serve “Cowboy Hospitality, 24/7,” will occupy the space formerly occupied by the Modern Garage Bar and Grill inside the Travelodge Inn on Alaska Highway.

According to the post, a daily soup and dash, lunch, and dinner specials will be available, as well as a full food menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 

The establishment will also serve alcohol from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m.  

Reaction to the announcement has been positive.  Local entrepreneur Trevor Bolin praised Lapine, wishing him luck in a post to a local Facebook group.

“Congrats Danny,” wrote Bolin. “Here’s to much success.”

The Hitching Post Bar and Grill will open in the Travelodge Inn, located at 10409 Alaska Road South in Fort St. John.