Jay Blackford

Jay Blackford is a visionary restaurateur with the Midas touch having created and implemented inspired restaurant and lounge concepts in locales across the globe.  With over 15 years experience in the hospitality industry that includes ownership, management, concept development, marketing, personnel development and design, Blackford boasts some of Calgary’s most lauded restaurants as his creations including The Living Room and Vintage Chophouse. 

Blackford’s ability to see the big picture helped Calgary’s restaurant scene blossom, integrating elevated, on-trend cuisine and wine programs into the evolving and increasingly sophisticated metropolis.

Blackford is responsible for one of the most buzzworthy restaurant and lounge concepts of its time – Bed Restaurant & Lounge. 

Starting in the Grand Cayman Islands in the late 90’s, Bed brought an unexpected sexy vibe into

the dining room creating an intense level of interest that launched a satellite Bed in Miami, Florida.  Bed Miami has been prominently featured in an episode of Sex and the City and remains a hot-spot and celebrity draw today.

Blackford is currently an owner/operator in the rising-star Kelowna eatery, Cabana Bar and Grille.  Responsible for the restaurant’s innovative and user-friendly wine program, Blackford has created an evolving cellar that appeals to a range of palates and budgets. 

Moving to Kelowna for both opportunity and lifestyle, Blackford and his partners recognized a void in the burgeoning region’s restaurant offerings.  Targeting the needs of Kelowna residents with a local, affordable and engaging restaurant concept that is truly reflective of both its Mission neighbourhood and the Okaganan at large is at the heart of Cabana Grille.

This focus runs through the locally inspired cuisine and cellar, the sexy yet fun and comfortable design and décor and the multi-

purposed patio spaces that feature a fireplace table and lounge-inspired pod of cozy cabanas.

Blackford is married with two young children and spends his downtime enjoying the Okanagan lifestyle – wine, travel and getting outdoors to play on the mountains, lakes and trails.  With an eye for opportunity and a wealth of enthusiasm, creativity and expertise, the Okanagan is sure to benefit from Blackford’s passion for growth and innovation in the hospitality industry.