2 bidders for Kitchener Boathouse join forces

Two of the three groups vying to become the next operator of the Boathouse in Kitchener have come together to make a unified bid.

Curt and Cory Crossman of the KOI Music Festival and Bill MacTavish of Imbibe made the announcement in a press release Monday.

The two parties have always shared a similar vision of downtown Kitchener and its arts, entertainment and dining experiences. We feel that our combined expertise will make for a trulyunique and successful venture, said the release.

Cory Crossman said the idea struck both sides during a recent tour inside the Boathouse.

We saw each other inside the Boathouse during a walkthrough, and that got us both sort of thinking. Weve worked together on things in the past and theyve always done well, so it was almost kind of a natural fit, said Crossman.

The remaining competition for the Boathouse remains the joint bid placed by Glenn Smith, owner of Ethels Lounge and Frat Burger in Waterloo and local singer/songwriter Danny Michel.