After more than a year and a half of closure following a fire, a beloved local restaurant is on track to reopen, bringing a familiar atmosphere and a renewed sense of community.
Owner Chris Soper, known simply as “Soper,” said the opportunity to revive the space came together unexpectedly. “We got offered it back again, so we’re back,” he said. “It just worked out…luck of the draw.”
The fire, caused by an electrical issue in the roof, forced the restaurant to shut down, but much of its character remains intact. “Everything else is pretty much the same,” Soper noted, adding that the popular wood-fired pizza oven will return as a centrepiece of the menu.
Soper and a small team have been working to get the space ready, though progress is currently paused while awaiting final architectural approvals. “Realistically, from right now to open, we could do it in 14 days,” he said. “We’re just waiting.”
When it does reopen—hopefully in time for summer—the focus will be on keeping things simple and accessible. “We’re not trying to be fancy,” Soper said. “Just priced as a normal person can afford.”
With longtime staff returning and new hires on the way, Soper is optimistic about what’s ahead. “We just do our thing,” he said. “If you’re into it, cool. If you’re not, cool.”
Although the reopening date is not set in stone, the wait isn’t long, Golden. So when the Riv opens again, let’s welcome it back with open arms.
