Celebrity chef set to open huge restaurant in one of Ontario’s best-known concert arenas

A massive Ontario concert venue that is currently undergoing a $290 million renovation will soon be home to a 9,500 square foot restaurant helmed by one of Canada’s best-known chefs.

Today, the Oak View Group announced that the Hamilton Arena (formerly known as the FirstOntario Centre and Copps Coliseum) will soon be home to The Iron Cow Public House, a full-service restaurant and bar run by celebrity chef Matty Matheson. 

Matheson, who portrays handyman Neil Fak on The Bear, is one of the best-known culinary talents in the Ontario restaurant scene. The chef, restaurateur, author and entertainer owns and operates a number of popular hotspots, including Prime Seafood Palace, Bar Clams, Maker Pizza and Matty’s Patty’s in Toronto and Rizzo’s House of Parm in Fort Erie. 

The celebrity chef is also the frontman of the hardcore rock band, Pig Pen. 

In a news release, OVG said The Iron Cow will accommodate up to 185 diners, include a speakeasy-style pub and will operate on both event and non-event days. 

Our House H.C., Matheson’s restaurant group, will also design and curate the menu for three concession stands that will feature items from Matty’s Patty’s and Rizzo’s House of Parm.

The company and Matheson discussed the partnership today at The Departure Festival, an annual conference and music festival that takes place in Toronto.

Matheson (left) and Tim Leiweke, Oak View Group chairman and CEO (right)

“What Oak View Group is doing here is incredible, and I’m honoured to be a part of it,” Matheson said in a statement. 

“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.”

The news about Matheson’s restaurant comes as the renovated and reinvigorated arena inches closer to reopening. 

Last month, OVG representatives told INsauga.com that new seats, new restaurants, premium suites that might be the first of their kind in North America and enhanced listening experiences are in the works for the massive stadium on York Boulevard in Steeltown. 

The venue has been undergoing a significant refresh since late last spring. 

OVG, an international company that calls itself the largest developer of sports and live entertainment venues in the world, is overseeing the multi-million dollar renovation that, once complete, aims to transform the spacious arena–which can accommodate up to 18,000 people–into a more modern (and even luxurious) venue. 

Last year, OVG first announced plans to significantly rejuvenate the arena (which will soon sport a yet-to-be-announced name) by adding premium seating, clubs, lounges and suites, enhancing the acoustics and launching new restaurants and food concepts.  

Designed by Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects and constructed by EllisDon, the new arena will feature an artist compound, transformed concourse areas, concessions on every level and more. 

Artist bookings will be handled in conjunction with entertainment company LiveNation. 

The facelift will also impact other parts of the facility, including the elevators, concession stands and washrooms. 

Last month, Nick DeLuco, senior vice-president with the Oak View Group and general manager of the new Hamilton Arena, told INsauga.com that once construction is complete, the venue is anticipated to host more than 120 events a year. 

The venue is slated to reopen later this year, with a performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli slated to take place in December. 

“At Oak View Group, we’re not just transforming venues—we’re transforming the way people experience them. Hospitality is where that starts, and Hamilton deserves the best,” said Tim Leiweke, chairman and CEO, Oak View Group, said in a statement. 

“Matty is not only one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs — he’s a hometown hero with a powerful voice and a unique vision. 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.”