Lighting up the town

The Element brings Castlegar a new approach to nightlife

A trendy ambience and computerized technology make the Element a unique place to hang out. —

Matt Tidball photo

Florio Vassilakakis is co-owner and general manager of the Element Club Bar & Grill, a full-service restaurant, bar and 600 patron-capacity nightclub—a.k.a. the hottest location for nightlife in Castlegar, BC. The club is part of a group of companies that Vassilakakis has been involved with since 2002. His role began when they started combing the Kootenays for a place to establish another locale.

“We purchased the property in downtown Castlegar in 2003, and the construction was completed in June 2006,” said Vassilakakis. “Our family group of companies has operated nightclubs and restaurants since the mid-1960s.”

Vassilakakis is a young entrepreneur—only 32 years of age—with a Bachelor of Science degree from UBC under his belt, along with a healthy dose of business sense. His brother, co-owner and manager George Vassilakakis, also plays a key role in the business.

“He works hard every day, while I commute back and forth to the Okanagan weekly,” said Florio Vassilakakis. “This business would not be possible without him.”

The Element has ignited the Castlegar scene, with an evolving and diverse menu and some of the best live music, DJs and dancing opportunities in town.

Taking time out

When Vassilakakis can find some spare moments, he enjoys travelling, visiting with friends and sampling quality food and wine. He also uses his leisure time to enhance his business.

“I personally love working with the chefs and designing new menu items from the ground up,” he said. “My travels take me all over the world and with so many great ethnic dishes out there, our menu truly is globally inspired. It is important to keep people excited and give the residents of the West Kootenays great nightlife and great food.”

Making priorities

It is important to Vassilakakis not only to run a successful company, but also to be a good corporate citizen.

“Castlegar has a great community feel and we love to be involved in charities and events,” he said. “From the Rotary Club’s Diamond Dinner and Wine Festival, to Ducks Unlimited to the numerous sporting leagues, charity tournaments and the Castlegar Food Bank—giving back to the community is an integral part of what we do here and it is very satisfying and rewarding to have the opportunity we have to help these organizations.”

It was risky and challenging to start a trendy nightclub in a small community such as Castlegar. Vassilakakis persevered, however, and has not regretted doing so.

“So many people thank us for bringing a venue to the community that they all can be proud of and sometimes I am more proud of that feat than the establishment itself,” he said. “We won best new business from the chamber after opening in 2007 and best business and best restaurant since. We were also nominated for the 2007 Club World Awards in Miami, Florida, for best Lighting System and Best Video System.”

Technology calls The club has a well-deserved reputation for its lighting displays. With a combination of computer technology, power-saving LED lights and the capacity to display 16.7 million colours through a touch-screen system, the magic can be created from the convenience of Vassilakakis’ trusty iPhone. If this technology wasn’t impressive enough, Vassilakakis has taken it a few steps further.

“We have recently installed a system whereby all patrons can text message our club line and they can chat on the TV screens with complete strangers,” he explained. “It’s kind of like an open text conversation for everyone to see and read. And it’s completely free for our patrons.”