Our Story

	The Story of Accent Lounge
	The story of Accent began in September of 2006, when Simon Hamilton approached his long-time friend Garrett Boyko about the possibility of purchasing Milan’s Restaurant and Bar, a small establishment just off Whyte avenue on 104th street. Soon afterwards, the duo began the search for investors and key staff members that would make the creation of a new restaurant and lounge on the location possible. One of the first to join the team was Clayton Little, a former coworker and friend of Garrett’s. Clayton and his father committed to investing in the new restaurant, and together, Clayton, Garrett and Simon became the founders and directors of Red Rabbit Entertainment Inc, the company that now owns Accent Lounge. Quickly a total of ten other parties joined as investors in the company, and by late October, an offer was made to purchase the assets of Milan’s Restaurant. Red Rabbit Entertainment took over ownership of the property on December 1st, 2006. For three months the restaurant continued to operate under the name Milan’s as plans were made for the re-branding and reopening of a new restaurant in spring of 2007. One of the most difficult decisions about the new restaurant was the name. Simon, Garrett and Clayton poured over hundreds of potential names until finally settling on Accent, a slight change from the name “Accent on 4th” suggested by a friend of Simon’s mother. On Sunday February 26th, 2007 Milan’s Restaurant and Bar served customers for the last time. That night, the old fixtures and supplies were moved out, and a three week renovation of the location began. Among the upgrades made were new flooring, light fixtures, draperies, paint, tables and chairs, corner booths, and a redesigned bar area. What stayed was the charm of Milan’s room. Dark wood paneling and copper highlights that make the room feel comfortable and warm. Finally by Wednesday March 21st, the work was nearly complete. That night Accent’s new menu, featuring the very best dishes from Milan’s menu and new creations by Deb Gordon, was rolled out for friends and family. The following evening a soft opening took place, as well as a last minute overnight road trip to Calgary by Garrett, Clay and another investor, Paul, to pick up the new tables and chairs for the restaurant that had been delayed by the manufacturer. The boys got the furniture to Accent by 4:30 on Friday afternoon, and Accent opened its doors for the first time half an hour later. Opening night was a great success. As time has passed since that opening day, just like anywhere, Accent has seen some changes. Some investors have sold, and new ones have bought in. Staff members have come and gone. But what hasn’t changed is what Garrett, Simon and Clayton wanted to create when they started Accent. And that is a place where anyone can go and feel comfortable in their surroundings. A place with top-notch food prepared fresh from scratch by a kitchen staff that cares about what they’re cooking. A place with a great selection of quality liquors that you can’t find just anywhere. Most importantly, a place that makes every customer feel like Accent is their place. -The Owners of Accent

Last Updated: Monday, August 30, 2010