The multi-million dollar rebranding and make over of the Hotel 540 is contributing to more changes downtown.

The people behind the Noble Pig are going to open a new restaurant and whisky bar in downtown Kamloops.

Meghan Summers says they looked at over 40 locations before settling on the old Sanbiki space at 5th and Lansdowne due in part to the Hotel 540 make over.

“When you see a big change like Hotel 540 bringing in such a strong brand recognition like what they are. You know that is guaranteed room nights. You know that is guaranteed guest traffic and foot traffic coming to our downtown core.”

Jared Summers says they like what downtown Kamloops has to offer.

“The location is fantastic. It has got good foot traffic. We feel like the downtown is ready to branch out from Victoria Street a little bit as well.”

Summers says the restaurant called Forno on 5th will open in August.