Montana's Cookhouse at Saanich's Tillicum Centre will undergo a renovation and rebranding this spring, according to sources familiar with the plans.

The old west-themed barbecue restaurant will close for approximately one week while crews work on a kitchen modernization that will include exposure of the kitchen operation to restaurant patrons, an upgraded bar area, and an update to its new moniker, Montana's BBQ and Bar. Specific closing and re-opening dates have not been confirmed, however.

The Ontario-based chain is owned by Cara Operations Limited, the operator of nearly 850 restaurants across Canada under banners such as Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, Kelsey's and Milestones. The company generated $1.7 billion in sales in 2014 making it the third largest restaurant operator in Canada after McDonald's and Tim Hortons.

In light of the restaurant renovation it is unlikely that a planned 13-storey, nearly 300-unit residential tower eyed along the northern edge of Tillicum Centre's vast parking lot will move ahead in the coming years. Mall owner RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust announced a proposal for a residential development at the busy mall in 2008 that would have displaced Montana's and its sister restaurant located next door, Kelsey's (Kelsey's has since closed). Despite securing project approvals in 2009, RioCan has thus far opted to forego construction. C

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