The ownership group behind Sea Smoke Restaurant at Bishop’s Landing will be bringing an elevated Asian fusion concept to Cunard Residences called ASIA. Co-owners Zoey Boosey and Kent Scales are at the helm along with their talented team that will bring Asian flavours into a new contemporary setting. The 4,000 square foot space will offer elevated harbour views and a dining experience that doesn’t exist in Halifax today.
“We are fortunate to have great relationships with our restaurateurs,” said Jim Spatz, Executive Chairman of Southwest Properties. “When Zoey and Kent shared their vision for this space, we felt strongly it would be embraced by our residents and the greater community.”
Since acquiring Sea Smoke at the start of 2021, owners Boosey and Scales have turned the once tourist-focused boardwalk restaurant into a year-round food destination. Updated décor, fantastic food, and the signature four-season fire pits have made this a go-to for locals in addition to the two million passersby annually on the boardwalk. With Sea Smoke already serving great sushi, ASIA will provide a wide offering including influences from several other Asian countries.
“Immersive dining, innovative cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere are what we’re going for,” says Zoey Boosey. Originally from The United Kingdom, Boosey has established herself in the Halifax dining scene with management stints at Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax Club, Sea Smoke, and now as a partner of the new venture at Cunard.
“From start to finish the menu is going to capture every curiosity. The waterfront has become a dynamic place, bringing people together, and we’ll be bringing something different from Sea Smoke and different from what you see anywhere in Halifax.”
Kent Scales has a diverse restaurant portfolio in Prince Edward Island, and a mutual friend initially connected him and Zoey when the opportunity to acquire the Sea Smoke restaurant came up in 2020. “We have a lot of faith in our team at Sea Smoke and will build upon that with this new restaurant,” adds Scales. “We love the Halifax Waterfront for business, and the timeline is perfect for building momentum in a post-pandemic world”.
“Zoey and Kent are really great to work with, we’re really looking forward to growing the partnership,” adds Colin Beiswanger, Commercial Leasing Manager for Southwest Properties. “Sea Smoke’s business is growing substantially, and the runway for the waterfront as a food destination continues to grow,” says Beiswanger, “ASIA will compliment the area’s dining options and distinguish itself for customers looking for innovative new food.”
Construction is expected to start on the new restaurant in mid- to late-2023 with an opening in spring 2024.
Cunard Residences is located at 1325 Lower Water Street between Bishop’s Landing and the Emera buildings. The retail and commercial space within the development has already received considerable interest from both local and national operators looking to capture the growing residential market downtown and the nearly 2 million yearly passersby anticipated in the coming years. Last year Bertossi group announced their 7,000 sf waterfront restaurant for the Cunard retail district.