By Alex McCuaig

Opening in early July

The Yard provides the suds, you bring the food to new dining concept downtown

Jun 22, 2020 | 4:36 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Bringing outside food to a restaurant is something usually strongly discouraged by most establishments. But at the city’s newest concept in cooperative dining, the opposite is true.

The Yard is hoping to open early next month and co-owner Joshua Hopkins says Hatters are welcome – even strongly encouraged – to bring their favourite food with them as they grab a table at the open-air restaurant.

“We’re going to do things quite differently when it comes to food,” said Hopkins, taking a work break from finishing off the patio. “We’re going to encourage people to pack picnic lunches and bring them down. We’re going to encourage Skip the Dishes or supporting different restaurants downtown here, bringing in their food and really supporting local.”

Hopkins says the inspiration for the concept – which will include primarily locally produced beer and spirits and a small menu – comes from similar enterprises in the States which have proven successful as well as the sunny Medicine Hat weather.

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In addition to being able to order delivery to your patio table, Hopkins says he expects a number of food trucks will be nearby to provide the vittles to go along with ice-cold suds provided by The Yard.

The Yard, at 619 Third St. SE, is expected to operate until September.