Iqaluit (July 28/03) - It's been a three-year dream for bar manager Erle Deschene but the Store House Bar & Grill is finally open.

Located at the Frobisher Inn on the opposite side from where the Zoo was, the Store House opened to the public July 15 and changed in Iqaluit's nightlife.

"It was time for a new place. It was time to get in sync with the rest of the hotel," said Deschene, pointing to the revamped lobby and additional rooms.

Deschene said the Store House combines a lounge, a games room, a dining room and a dance floor.

"We wanted to cater to everyone. The old bar was just a nightclub, but now we have everything," he said.

Now two weeks old, the bar has been pretty busy since it opened, with line-ups common.

"We still have a few minor bugs to work out, but before opening it was a bit stressful with all the last-minute details. We were under the gun to get it opened," he said.

A larger variety of food will also be available at the Store House compared to the Zoo.

"We have our own kitchen. At the Zoo, you could get pizza, smokies and nachos, and if you wanted a burger we had to order from the hotel kitchen. Now, we have a full menu," he said.

The menu includes steak and chicken, as well as a variety of finger foods.

The bar and grill employs about 30 people, but Deschene said he is looking for more.

The area where the Zoo was located is expected to be turned into a conference centre.

"We will have two board rooms, one large and one small.

"Also, between the dining room and the new conference centre, we will put a removable wall so we can make it one large facility," said Rainer Launhardt, the inn's general manager.

Launhardt said work has already started and he hopes the centre will be ready by the end of the year.