Pip

our story

Opening in late 2017 as the third concept by The Next Act family, Pip began as a cozy 28-seat restaurant serving up premium comfort food. As the room filled and word spread, we outgrew our original home and moved across the street into the historic space we occupy today. Rooted in quality ingredients and creativity, Pip delivers an elevated approach to comforting classics.

Pip has been recognized for several titles, including Edify's Best New Restaurant in 2019 and Best Brunch in 2020. Since 2022, we continue to be named among the Best Brunch spots in the city.

our people

Conor O'Kell, Head Chef

Head Chef

Conor O'Kell

Conor has been part of the family since 2014, first starting at The Next Act, then with Pip from day one as Sous Chef, growing into the role of Head Chef in 2022. Raised around warm family gatherings filled with good food, Conor was naturally drawn to hospitality early on. Guided by strong mentorship and a genuine love for cooking, he finds the most joy in collaborating with his team by encouraging creativity and developing new dishes together.

Reina Grimaldo, General Manager

General Manager

Reina Grimaldo

Reina has been with our team since 2021, starting at The Next Act before finding her home at Pip as GM in 2023. Her path through hospitality began behind the scenes and eventually led her to the Joey group. Though her original plan once pointed far outside the restaurant world, Reina found herself drawn to the energy of hospitality: the people, the creativity, and the occasional, welcomed bit of chaos.

Michael Rebalkin, Saylish Haas, and Nathan McLaughlin, Owners

Owners

Michael Rebalkin

Nathan McLaughlin

Saylish Haas

Childhood friends Saylish Haas, Michael Rebalkin, and Nathan McLaughlin are the team behind some of Old Strathcona’s favourite spots – The Next Act, MEAT, Pip, Pals, and Marlo – all conveniently tucked into one lively corner of the neighbourhood.

Before striking out on their own, each of them honed their craft in different ways. Mike cut his teeth in restaurant operations with the Joey group; Nathan earned his Red Seal and cooked his way through kitchens at Earls, Joey, and the Fairmont; and Saylish built a strong business foundation as a regional manager with Urban Barn.

After a trip to Mexico in 2010, the three decided to take the leap and buy The Next Act. From there, things grew naturally, as neighbouring spaces became available. Over the years, they’ve been proud to help shape Old Strathcona’s food scene and contribute to Edmonton’s dining culture, one restaurant at a time. For this trio it’s always been about the same simple things: great food, welcoming spaces, and being part of a community they love.

Pip restaurant interior
Pip restaurant detail
Pip restaurant atmosphere

our building

the south side market

We are proud to be located in the historic South Side Market building, a protected piece of Edmonton’s history. Built as a place for farmers, gardeners, and neighbors to come together, we honor that original purpose today through food, gathering, and community.

1907

Strathcona incorporated as a city in March 1907.

1909–1921

The original South Side Market is established and exists just east of the current Pip location.

1923

The South Side Market opens in the current Pip location on Saturday, September 8, 1923, to serve the growing Old Strathcona community in the heart of the Shopping District. Designed by Edwardian-influenced John Martland, City Architect from 1919–1944.

1933

The market, also known as the Strathcona Farmers' Market, collapses due to the economic impact of the Great Depression. The city leases the Building to Saunders Transfer and Taxi, a moving company.

1947

The City terminates Saunders' lease and moves their south side office into the building to meet the growing need for public services. The building is renamed the South Side Civic Block, where citizens can pay taxes, utility bills, etc.

1978–1990

The building physically joins with and expands the South Side Health Clinic, directly to the east. Staff included nine nurses, a doctor, dentist, dental hygienist, nutritionist, and two receptionists. The office closes in 1990 due to streamlining of health services.

1993

The iconic Packrat Louie opens and serves a generation of Edmontonians.

2022

We move into our new home! Our pals at Pals occupy the 1953 original clinic while we reside in the original 1923 South Side Market.

2025

We purchase the building and work with the city to designate the South Side Market as a Municipal Historic Resource.

have you met the entire family?

PalsMEATthe NEXT actmarlo