Celebrated Canadian chef Matty Matheson set to open restaurant in new Hamilton Arena
The celebrity chef grew up Ontario's Niagara region and says 'we're building something special for Hamilton'
International culinary star Matty Matheson is set to open a restaurant at the new Hamilton Arena later this year, the developer group has announced.
The Colorado-based Oak View Group (OVG) announced the new partnership Wednesday in a news release, saying the celebrated Canadian chef and "cultural icon" will bring his passion for food, music and live entertainment to the city.
"Matty is not only one of Canada's most celebrated chefs — he's a hometown hero with a powerful voice and a unique vision," OVG chairman and CEO Tim Leiweke said in the release.
"His creativity, energy, and connection to this community make him the ideal partner to help us deliver a truly local, unforgettable experience at Hamilton Arena."
Matheson was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Fort Erie, Ont. He's a three-time New York Times best-selling author — Matty Matheson: A Cookbook, Home Style Cookery and Soups, Salads, Sandwiches.
He's also one of the executive producers of the Emmy-winning series The Bear and performs in a hard-core rock band, Pig Pen — a name that pays homage to the late Pig Pen who played keyboards and piano for one of Mattheson's favourite bands, The Grateful Dead.
"What Oak View Group is doing here is incredible, and I'm honoured to be a part of it," Matheson said in the news release.
"Bringing people together with amazing food, great service and live music – it's everything I love. We're building something special for Hamilton, and I'm pumped for you to see this come together."
It's official. The Junos are coming back to Hamilton in 2026
'Now I can dream': Matty Matheson on his journey to culinary stardom
Junos to take place at arena
Matheson plans to open a 9,500-square-foot full-service restaurant and bar with a capacity for up to 185 guests.
It will operate on both event and non-event days and include a speakeasy style pub, OVG said. Additionally, Matheson and his restaurant group, Our House H.C., will design and curate the menu for three concession stands featuring items from his other restaurants.
OVG is developing the new Hamilton Arena along with the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group. The venue is set for the former location of FirstOntario Centre in downtown Hamilton.
It's scheduled to open in late 2025, and will host concerts, sporting events, family entertainment, trade shows, and community events, "offering an unparalleled premium hospitality experience," OVG said.
In March organizers of Canada's biggest night in music — the Juno Awards — announced it's returning to Hamilton in 2026, and Juno events will be held at the newly transformed venue.
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