Small Business Tag

It’s a taste of Italy in Strathcona, and Italians agree. 

Focacciaza on East Cordova and Raymur. You cannot miss the red awning and bicycle-cart set up, out of which Joe dispenses what is the best focaccia I’ve ever tasted. This is confirmed by a neighbouring business owner who walks by during our conversation and raves about how amazing Joe’s food is. Did I mention that this neighbour is Italian? That’s all the validation he needs. Focacciaza Joe (as everyone calls him) is passionate, dedicated and easy going. Leading the sustainable food-business movement, he forages for wild mushrooms and grows his own herbs, all of which go on the focaccia he sells from a zero-emission cart. Our conversation is a peek into his heart for small businesses and the Strathcona community. 

What’s the story behind Focacciaza?

So before I became a cook, I was backpacking through Italy with a friend, and a travel agent advised us on where tourists don’t go. They sent us to La Spezia which is in Genoa, where the most famous focaccia variety comes from. It’s a thick, soft, fluffy type. We went into this small village and couldn’t find anywhere to stay, so we slept in a field. The next morning, we were really hungry and we walked by a little focacceria and we could smell the food. So we got them to sell us a fresh piece of focaccia for like two euros and it was the most amazing focaccia. So that’s what mine is modelled after. I have this memory of that focaccia and I designed my recipe by myself, so it’s not a recipe that I got anywhere. Instead it’s made to suit my timing, my baking and my surroundings, but the goal is basically to have that texture and flavour. Italians from that area that try my focaccia always validate it. They always say “It’s just like home”.

What’s the best part of running a business in Strathcona? Any high points?

Absolutely! I get to make unique food with ingredients that I grow and forage in the wild, which is rewarding in itself. I have a community garden plot in the Strathcona Cottonwood Garden and those herbs go into my focaccia. People love all those things. Everybody in the community likes me. Every car that drives by waves. There are many upsides to running your own business. There are many challenges but it’s rewarding work, right? I do feel like I’m a part of the community. That’s why Strathcona is really good. It has a very community vibe. There are a lot of artists that live here that have a little bit of time to go seek local things. Also the zoning, and the fact that Downtown and Commercial Drive are a quick drive away are some of the upsides.

What is the most pressing issue you face being in this area?

I’d say, visibility. This building used to open up on Powell street and was quite visible to the public, but more and more it’s being blocked off. Now with the overpass, you can’t even see us. This Fall, Transport Canada is going to close off a section of Raymur street here because of rail safety. So there will be no vehicle or foot traffic and that closes me off even more. Even if you want to buy something from me, it becomes harder and harder. A while ago, I had an interview on CBC radio, and it did drive business and brought some people from different places, but every one of them said Focacciaza was almost impossible to find because they couldn’t turn off of Clark, Hastings or Powell street to get here, and when they finally got onto Cordova, they were stuck behind the train. 

What are your thoughts on the zoning policies in this neighbourhood?

The zoning is really good. It’s mixed zoning in this area. This building is old-fashioned, an old vinegar factory that’s now been zoned for mixed-usage and it’s perfect. You can do a lot of different things here and that’s very beneficial not just to someone looking for a home for their business. There’s also a diverse range of small businesses around me and they’re willing to support food makers like me. Really if I could live here, I would. 

What’s your vision for the future of Focacciaza?

I have a lot of dreams for my business, like teaching people, setting up workshops, and hosting events. I also play in a band so I can make the music for these settings. I try to be a part of the cultural community, which could always use help in Vancouver and the zoning here might allow for that kind of mixed-use space to happen one day. I see Focacciaza being a really cool community place where people can not only purchase local things, but enjoy local culture and music, all in one place. 

What are some of the challenges you face running a street-food business? 

I’m a street food vendor and I find it impossible to sell on the streets of Vancouver. I’m not allowed to be downtown or on the beach. I’m not allowed to be in any Vancouver park. I can’t be on the entire seawall or Trout Lake. Just imagine anywhere that you could see this bike. It has to do with my licence and the City of Vancouver, and this is why I just stay here. So it basically treats me like a food truck and that’s that. I need to figure out how people can get my product, but approaching a grocery store would mean packaging, labelling, and barcode scanning. And it’s hard for these small businesses because you need a designer. These things are not cheap. At the end of the day I am surviving as a business on this corner and making all kinds of things besides the focaccia like sandwiches, soups, biscotti, and popsicles during the summer. Catering gigs really help me out because there’s only so many people that live and work around here. Once it’s 5pm, there’s not a soul walking down the streets. One solution for me would be to find an investor and move into a brick-and-mortar or completely change to catering but that needs investment as well. 

Finally, what kind of support would you want to see from the SBIA?

It would be some kind of program helping businesses with their marketing, which is what you’re doing right now. Because small businesses exist but can’t be found. People are bombarded by so much marketing these days that it’s really hard for any small business to put those dollars into noticeable marketing. The BIA could also host local Strathcona festivals with all the small businesses and market it. That’s how local people get to know their local businesses a little better. Overall, any opportunities to actually sell my product would be great. 

Visit Joe at 1007 E Cordova street Tuesday to Friday from 11-5pm.

Follow his Instagram to see what’s on the menu and check out the website to book Focacciaza for your next event.

What It Takes to Build a Thriving Food Economy

The Strathcona Business Improvement Association in collaboration with Dunefield and other local stakeholders, are championing an initiative that explores the potential opportunities and barriers of further developing a food business cluster in Strathcona. This project aligns closely with the goals of the Strathcona BIA’s Economic Vision and Implementation Plan developed in 2023, combining the plan’s focus areas of industrial lands, retail spaces, and community engagement. An economic cluster in an urban industrial business district refers to a concentration of interconnected businesses in a particular industry, ranging from manufacturers and suppliers, to service providers, retailers, and institutions. Further developing a business cluster can help lead to increased innovation, productivity, and competitiveness among the businesses within the cluster, driving economic growth, attracting investment, creating jobs and fostering collaboration within the local economy.

Focusing on the district’s food cluster was a natural choice for this economic development initiative. There is already a strong presence of food businesses in Strathcona, spanning from manufacturing, logistics, product innovation, unique restaurants, and cultural foods, showcasing all kinds of specialized food and beverage skills. This cluster includes both industrial and retail businesses, leveraging our district’s unique blend of industrial and retail zoning and proximity to residential. Many of the challenges faced by food businesses are macro-level challenges. Looking at how to address these shared challenges within the food cluster will not only benefit food businesses but also other business sectors in the area. In particular, a strategic effort to maintain the neighbourhood’s capacity to support both production and manufacturing as well as sales is crucial for retaining a competitive edge for businesses here. 

The early stages of this project have focused on engaging and interviewing food businesses in the area to uncover the key barriers and challenges businesses have been experiencing. This project aims to help connect the dots about how collaborative approaches could address some of these common challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The following interview with project leads Wilco van Bemmel and Vincent Kwan dives deeper into the exciting work of this project. Read on to learn more about the significance of establishing a stronger food cluster in Strathcona and discover some of the early findings and recommendations.

What are the key characteristics of a successful food cluster?

There are a few key aspects, and some of these are present here in Strathcona, which is good news. The first key thing is what we’re calling the ability to make and sell. Businesses need to have the ability to both create and innovate food products, as well as test them in the market. That includes getting immediate feedback from wholesalers, stockists, or customers. Which leads to the importance of the proximity to employees and residents. The cluster should be located near both employees and residents to facilitate easy access and interaction. A strength that Strathcona uniquely offers.

From our engagement in the community, businesses have shown us that for them to thrive here they need to develop a diverse business model. For example, including elements of wholesale, retail, and product innovation, or even just being smart in utilizing your space, such as allowing other businesses to use space during off-hours can be important. Only relying on foot traffic is often not enough. Another important factor is stability in land use and lease rates, which is essential for businesses to have the confidence to invest in their operations and logistics for the long term. If people feel like they don’t have any certainty of what the future is going to look like, it can deter investment and growth.  

What kinds of support or policy should we expect a municipal government to have in place for the healthy development of this kind of cluster? 

One thing that is really threatening these kinds of businesses is the way we have defined “highest and best use” for properties and land. In practice, the types of light industrial businesses where people make and sell things are not the kind of use that can generate the highest property values and taxes. In the current system they’ll often be the second pick for a landlord, especially considering barriers around required tenant improvements and the length of time to get permits. What if we shifted the conversation on the highest and best use being where people actually make healthy, nutritious, and culturally interesting foods that the local community desires and can afford? Then we can start to look at policy and incentives aimed towards making sure that is actually possible. At the moment, it’s not a level playing field. The businesses that have a connection to the local neighbourhood, that want to hire locally, be good neighbours, source their materials or ingredients locally, and want to add value to the communities, are often the businesses having the hardest time to make it work in terms of upfront investment required and length of time to get their permits. So this is an important area to look at in terms of where the government can step in with incentives. 

What are some other pressing issues facing food-related businesses right now?

One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of challenges that food businesses face are macro-challenges as well. Many businesses are still dealing with the impacts of COVID and are still recovering. The pandemic really demonstrated the argument for having a diverse business model, because it’s these businesses that had some built-in resiliency and could more easily pivot to new opportunities. There is a big concern about the loss of industrial land and also the quality of remaining or new industrial spaces. If spaces are replaced by something that on paper is still industrial but in practice is supposed to be quiet and tidy, then it loses that true industrial use. We also heard from businesses that city-permitting is taking a very long time. The whole process can feel very uncertain, a bit like a black box. Another challenge we’ve identified is the difficulty of scaling. For example, scaling up from a small-scale commissary kitchen space to your first retail front is challenging and expensive. There is a big need for smaller stepping stones and support mechanisms in scaling and growing businesses. There is a lot of food that is produced in Strathcona by talented people, but you cannot always enjoy it here – it has no outlet. It highlights the potential for more opportunities for businesses to develop, incubate, and test their products locally before expanding to other communities, without having to take too much of a risk.   

What are some of the potential economic impacts of developing an even stronger food cluster in Strathcona? Why is this work important?

Food businesses have a high percentage of economic spin-off that stays within the vicinity of the community compared to other business sectors. This is evident in the sourcing of ingredients, packaging, staffing, and menu items, all of which contribute to the local economy. Some of the practical reasons for the local economic impact are cost-effectiveness and logistical advantages such as ensuring product freshness. For example, sourcing locally reduces financial risks associated with sourcing from distant locations. So there is something intrinsic in food businesses that make them have a local footprint. Which is great, because if we want to build strength as a cluster, that’s exactly what you want to see. When businesses are actively seeking opportunities to collaborate and source locally this enhances the return on investment in the food cluster.   

Food as a sector is an important one because it serves all categories of end-users in the economy, including residents, workers, and visitors. While sectors like high tech and green technology often receive a lot of attention, the food cluster is essential due to its direct impact on a wide array of end-users. Especially given the City’s current interest in supporting small businesses, it makes a lot of sense to prioritize the food cluster in local economic development strategies. This should include setting industrial land targets to preserve and support the sector. 

A big consideration is what is the role of different stakeholders within the ecosystem? We are actively asking ourselves what is the role of government, community entities, and then of course BIAs in filling those current gaps in economic support, and how can BIAs be empowered more to play a stronger role in filling those gaps. Focusing on the food cluster work helps expose a lot of those opportunities.  

What are some of the early findings and recommendations for creating a supportive ecosystem for food businesses in the neighbourhood?

Firstly, we should engage in a debate with the city about the highest and best use for the area, ensuring that the types of food businesses we actually want have a fair chance to thrive here. Discussions with the city should also include long-term things like land-use and zoning. In the shorter-term, we should be thinking about the relaxation of rules. This could involve challenging rules and processes that make it difficult to experiment and innovate. For example, could we streamline the process for someone with a successful commissary kitchen product to transition to a retail setting, by identifying a suitable location and obtaining necessary permits within one month. We should be encouraging pilots that push some of these existing boundaries, and involve multiple stakeholders, like landlords and banks, for support and funding opportunities. 

We have also heard that businesses have a hard time connecting to innovation. Many feel like existing support programs are geared toward larger companies, and so there’s a lot of potential in providing support for small businesses here to connect with innovation so they can implement it into their processes. The connection to education is another area to explore. It seems like there is a lot of potential in helping bridge the gap between businesses and educational institutions that are addressing topics like food security and food systems. 

Finally, there is a large need to address the high costs of running a food related business, whether that be startup costs, operational expenses, or scaling. The lack of coordination between government and other stakeholders is inevitably leading to inefficiencies and higher costs. A more structured approach to incentivize collaboration and improve coordination is needed to support businesses more effectively.  

What role do you see technology and innovation playing in the development of a food business cluster?

Quite a few businesses are very interested in the connection between food and health. There are businesses out there challenging the way we think about the ingredients in our foods. I think we’ll see innovation around plant-based foods, customer education, and changing people’s food habits towards more healthy foods. Another interesting area is the production process itself. We’re seeing a focus on making the production process more sustainable and circular, even on a smaller scale by sharing waste streams and resources within the community, with interesting opportunities for technology there. When thinking about the stepping stones required for scaling, the connection between digital and physical space will also be really interesting. In what ways can businesses build a customer base even without having a physical presence yet, or use digital as a way of connecting with suppliers and bring down the costs of starting your business? The connection between digital and physical will be an interesting angle for more businesses to be experimenting with.

Connecting the Dots and Creating Opportunities

Part of the aim of this project is to identify gaps and make meaningful connections within the food business cluster ecosystem in Strathcona. By helping articulate gaps and connecting dots the Strathcona BIA can work with stakeholders to understand the actionable steps needed to further develop a strong food cluster in Strathcona. Acting as a nimble connector, the SBIA strives to facilitate collaboration with key players and government to drive new initiatives and policy changes that will benefit the food business sector. Together, we can build a thriving and sustainable food business cluster in Strathcona, leading the way for innovation and economic development. 

Next Steps

One concrete next step is that we will be supporting food talent in Strathcona towards a food retail (pop-up) presence. We want food entrepreneurs who today work in commissary kitchens and small production spaces, to have a low-risk, affordable way to reach a new customer base and test their readiness for a permanent retail space. We hope this will create new food options that Strathcona residents and workers need and crave, like fresh greengrocers, more lunch options, a greater variety of local and cultural foods, and food experiences in the late afternoons.

We recently interviewed some exciting Strathcona businesses as part of our focus on the local food economy.

Learn more about Tommy’s Whole Grain Bakery, a new bakery in the district committed to redefining baking with whole grains here.

Dive into the world of shared kitchen spaces in this interview with B3 Collective Commissary Kitchen here.

A new business in Strathcona is streamlining urban living through well-designed storage solutions.

Strathcona is home to a vibrant community of design and manufacturing businesses. Here, artisans and craftspeople work with their hands and technology to create and build the things that enrich urban life. There are some exciting newcomers that are contributing to this growing sector in the neighbourhood, and Express Closet at 526 Clark Drive stands out. Express Closet is a custom cabinet and storage solutions company with a clear mission: to simplify people’s daily lives by enhancing their organization and storage capabilities. We sat down with owner Alistair Mellen to learn more about his business and his journey as a new business owner in Strathcona.

What inspired you to get into the business of custom closet organization? And what sets your business apart? 

My dad started the company in 2005. I would help him on the weekends in highschool. After I came back from university I helped him out for about a year full time. At that time he asked me if I wanted the business, and I agreed. That was seven years ago. It’s just me now, and I think what sets my business apart is that I have a really fast turn-around time which is important for a lot of people. My customer service stands out. I’m there from the beginning to the end and I always like to do little extra things to help people, like hanging pictures for them if they want. 

What’s your favourite part of working in this business?

It’s always awesome when my closet solutions make a really big difference for people. They might have had a crazy cluttered closet that just didn’t work at all before, and so when they tell me how big a difference it’s made in their life that’s pretty great. I love doing design for more complicated closet projects, like custom wardrobes, or kids desks and just anything where I get to work with fun, funky spaces.  

How do you see the future of custom manufacturing evolving? What role do you think technology will play in your industry? 

My products all involve CNC work, so they’re designed to be cut by a computer assisted cutting tool. I think the automation of that will continue to get better and better. The product comes in four by eight sheets, and there’s basically a robot that will take those sheets, put it on a platform, cut all the pieces, take the pieces off, take them onto the drilling stage, and it’s a whole controlled process that’s all automated. The end product has nice edge banding and drilling already done. I think that area is where the most advancement is going to happen. On a large scale, we might start to see more automation when a whole condo development goes up. But I think as far as individual renovations for single family homes or apartments, it’s always going to be a person involved in the craftsmanship. 

Can you share more about the materials you use and how you select them for your custom closets?

There’s two key components. There’s the board itself, which is a particle board core, and then there’s the finish that’s applied to it. All of my products come from Canada. I’m always focused on sustainable forestry practices and recycle as much as I can. That’s really important to me. I won’t take any product that hasn’t been certified sustainable. Often particle board is a leftover product from the milling process. Usually the off-cut woodchips are pressed into a board, so it’s an inherently sustainable process. Another impact to consider is what kind of glue is used, and I definitely avoid anything with formaldehyde. For the finish, it depends on what people want. The most used basic white one is actually made in Burnaby. Most of my in-house finishes are all done on the West Coast. 

How does your work impact or engage with the community?

Ideally one day I would like to do all the closets for affordable housing initiatives. Usually those projects want basic wire shelves because they are cheap to put in. But if you’re living in a small apartment, a single wire bar and shelf just doesn’t work for like 90% of people. I’d like to be able to do the kind of closets I create, but do it at the price of wire shelves and really make a difference for people. So that is a goal to be able to have enough business that I could actually do these kinds of community projects at the same price point as the wireframe. 

How long have you been in Strathcona and what makes this neighbourhood special to you?

I started mid-summer last year, so I’ve been here for about six months. I think the mix of manufacturing, artists, and interesting food places and breweries makes it a really fun neighbourhood. All the business owners I’ve met have been really welcoming. Within the first two weeks of taking this place over, Union Wood Co down the block did a block party where all the business owners in this block had their doors open and everyone could mingle, which was awesome. I’m currently helping my business neighbour do some renovations at her place, so there’s been all kinds of connections! 

What do you see as the opportunities and the challenges of being in this neighborhood? 

I think it’s very much an up and coming place with a lot of potential to be a really interesting culture zone of Vancouver. As it grows, and new modern buildings move in, I hope it doesn’t lose that. As for challenges, I think there can sometimes be a stigma for the area, but which is kind of unfounded for a lot of it.  

Any advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a business in this district?

It’s easier to meet fellow business owners and they are more welcoming than you think. Have conversations because you never really know where they’re going to go. For example, I just ran into my business neighbour and it turns out they need some extra storage space. So I’m going to help them store their stuff since I have the extra space right now and that can help support my rent. So by talking to other business owners you’ll often be surprised by what kind of opportunities open up. 

What more would you like to see from the Strathcona BIA?

After looking at the website and learning more about what you do with the trash pick-up and graffiti removal, that’s all great. One suggestion would be creating a bit more community for people who are looking for it – like a semi-annual gathering to help get more connected to other people in the district. I’ve also been blown away by events like Eastside Culture Crawl, when all the studios in the area open up. I think it would be cool if that was a more prominent part of this place’s identity, perhaps more events or initiatives that bring life to the industrial side of the neighbourhood and all the many small businesses doing interesting things here. 

Learn more about Express Closet on their website.

In the heart of Strathcona’s industrial district you’ll find B3 Collective Commissary Kitchen, a dynamic food hub that’s been at the forefront of supporting Vancouver’s culinary entrepreneurs since 2010.

B3 Collective Commissary is Vancouver’s largest and longest operating commercial kitchen, and have been at their space in Strathcona at 1205 East Hastings since 2021. B3 Collective serves as the launchpad and home to an incredible range of food producers, from ghost kitchens to food truck operators. Led by owner Chris McKenzie, B3 Collective not only provides space for food production, but a culture of mentorship and guidance for those embarking on their small business journeys.

We sat down with Chris to learn more about his experience and gain insight into the world of operating shared kitchen spaces in this city.

What is it that inspired you to open a commissary kitchen? 

I started back in 2010 when the food truck pilot program launched. The City had designed the pilot program, but hadn’t looked at the back end needs, like a commissary space – somewhere to do your prep. At the time that kind of space wasn’t really available. I had someone coming by looking for space and it just evolved from there. Farmers markets were just starting to emerge. So it was just kind of the right place at the right time.

What role do you think commissary kitchens play in the local food ecosystem?  

If there were no commissary kitchens, I’d say three quarters of food entrepreneurs wouldn’t be operating. It’s just too expensive in Vancouver in terms of rent for their own space. So if you don’t have commissaries, you don’t have a lot of the businesses at farmers markets, you don’t have a lot of the ghost kitchens, and I don’t think you’d have a lot of food trucks. It’s often too expensive in terms of rent to be able to start something in Vancouver and survive. So they’re a really vital piece of the puzzle. Our space alone has over 100 employees from all the different businesses we support, and I would say 80% of those people are residents of Vancouver, so it’s a big economic impact for the City.   

How do you support the local food businesses and entrepreneurs in this space? Any ones that you’re really proud of that call B3 Collective home? 

Oh they’re like children, I can’t get to pick a favourite one! But we’ve had some good success stories over the years. Some that have gone on to open multiple locations. The Juice Truck is a famous example. I think they have 80 employees now, and six locations and they started with just one food truck back in 2010. Spread ‘Em Kitchen is another one, her products have now gone national. So there’s a few that have become a huge success story in their own way, but they needed a commissary kitchen to start. The goal is trying to help those in here succeed. It’s not just a matter of signing them on and leaving them alone. I look to provide mentoring and guidance, and assist those starting out as best as I can, whether that be sales or any other way.

How do you see the future of food manufacturing and food production evolving? 

Vancouver is changing in terms of property and property use, so I think it’s going to be even more difficult going forward in this industry to survive. With commercial property supply shrinking, and rents going up due to rising property taxes I think long-term it’s going to be hard.

Any ideas around policy changes that could help shape a more viable future? 

I think it all boils down to the property taxes. You’d think we could get some kind of break in this area and be more supported by the City.

What are the opportunities and challenges of being in Strathcona? 

I find Strathcona authentic. Compared to some other neighbourhoods, people are more grounded here I think. It’s just a neat neighbourhood. And that’s not always known unless you’re here. Everybody around here knows each other and supports each other. For example, I’ve taken stuff over to the metal recycling guys around the corner, and we’ve got a good relationship with the brewery behind us. Everyone helps everybody out. Development and growth in this area is good, but it also comes with its costs. Property taxes are going to be impacted by new residential developments and that is a challenge.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a business in this district?

I would say do your homework. With new entrepreneurs interested in coming in, I’ll sit down with them and give them the advantages and the disadvantages and tell them what they are up against. For anybody getting into new space you have to consider that it can typically take a year before you are operating. You could be paying full rent or property taxes while you go through the permitting process of the building, so that’s a tough go. A problem with the process is you often don’t find out what’s required in terms of upgrades until you start. So you have to have a contingency fund set aside if things take longer than anticipated. A bulk of the frustration with opening a new business can be planning for the unknown, and then dealing with what feels like independently operating departments at the City.   

When you envision the future of Strathcona, what do you see?

I hope Strathcona doesn’t turn into what the other neighbourhoods are. Like I said, Strathcona to me is more authentic. It’s the old historic Vancouver neighbourhood. You’ve got these older commercial buildings that have been around for decades, and a unique community feel here and I hope that doesn’t change. I hope with the new development that comes, it can at least be consistent to the current feel of the neighbourhood.

What more would you like to see from the Strathcona BIA?

You guys do an excellent job of being involved with the businesses here. It’s almost like having a parent. If there’s any issues, or if I hit a dead end, I feel like I can call and explain what I’ve got going on, and some new directions can be opened up. It’s great you reach out right when businesses open up, so they know you exist. 

Learn more about B3 Collective Commissary on their website.

Tommy’s Whole Grain Bakery, located at 338 Powell Street, is a new bakery in the district with a special mission.

This bakery is all about experiencing and celebrating the rich flavours and incredible benefits of whole grains. They purchase grain from local sources, mill them in-house, and use every part of the grain to maximize flavour and nutrition, and reduce food waste. First and foremost their focus is creating great-tasting products. Their mouthwatering breads and treats will have you coming back for more. 

Owner Tommy Aird’s love for baking began as a child, influenced by his mother’s great baking and grandmother’s love for delicious pastry. He started cooking in restaurants as a young adult, later moving to Toronto to pursue culinary school and a career in baking. Over the years working in various kitchens he developed a deep appreciation for food and where it comes from. Attending a grain conference in Montreal was a pivotal turning point, sparking a passion for heirloom grains and supporting small-scale, organic agriculture. 

We sat down with Tommy to learn more about his story and his experience of running a business in Strathcona.

How does your work impact or engage with the community:

As a food producer, I think about the social and environmental impacts of what I do. The decisions you make as a food producer when you choose a purveyor is in fact a decision for thousands of people. So it really does matter for me to educate myself and have good reason to be partnering with certain purveyors or growers. Things I think about are making sure that farmers are getting paid a living wage, that employees are getting paid a living wage, and that the product I’m purchasing is nutritious and contains the building blocks for life. For environmental impacts, it’s making sure these businesses have integrity and are using water responsibly for example. We’re also trying to create as little food waste as possible. It’s what we’re trying to put into practice – be leaders in the industry, not heroes, because it’s not about being the only one, but setting an example and trying to inspire others to engage with the kind of work we do. Increasing the nutrition in our community, and reducing food waste, these are things that should be top of mind for us.  

What are the opportunities and challenges of being in this neighbourhood? 

I’ve been spending a lot of time in this neighbourhood, even pre-opening, since we started construction in August. This community has such a wonderful fabric to it and we feel so welcome and supported by our neighbours and the community at large that I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the city, even given the opportunity. But at the same time, it does come with its challenges. Just looking across the street, there are vacant lots, and there is vacancy next door to us that likely won’t be transitioned into anything until it’s torn down. Upgrading and preserving heritage buildings, and also tapping into the kind of energy we see in the neighbourhood during events like the Powell Street Festival, I can see what it could become. This is a fantastic neighbourhood. I think it might not be obvious to those who look from far away, but when you spend time here, you realize there are families here, there’s community here, and it does have deep roots. 

Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who might be looking to start a business in this distinct?

Get here. Don’t be scared. I think it’s so fulfilling and rewarding. Entrepreneurship is just hard in general, so I don’t know if it’s any harder here necessarily. But I do feel we have such a warm response from the community and the neighbourhood, and from the people who choose to come visit us. And I think that we are able to add to the community in different ways as well. If we’re driving people here from the North Shore, or from Langley for example, I think we’re giving the rest of the neighbourhood an opportunity to be seen. There’s a lot of spaces that we could be putting some really impactful and meaningful concepts to keep contributing to the fabric of the neighbourhood.  

What is your favourite baking ingredient right now and why do you love working with it?

My passion is grains. It makes up almost 70 percent of our diets, and so often we’re just kind of missing the mark. They say 98 percent of people exceed their recommended grain intake, and only two percent of people achieve the recommended whole grain intake. It just demonstrates how much white flour we’re consuming and the shadow side of that is how much healthy food in the process of creating that white flour is being wasted in our food system. 15 to 45 percent of the crop is commonly discarded, and 20 of the 21 micronutrients and grains come out during sifting. You discard 15 percent and lose 95 percent of the nutrition. So I get excited about something that is just flour, water, and salt. It doesn’t need fancy imported ingredients. We love the flavour of the organic grains we get from the Fraser Valley, and how they transform during fermentation, and then further during the bake, all adding different layers of flavour. I also think the impact of whole grains is compounding and cascading in such a meaningful way, so that for me is the most exciting ingredient. 

Can you tell us a little bit more about the milling on site that happens here?

We have a little mill, called a Meadows Mill, and it has two eight inch stones, which is quite small. It’s about the size of a mini fridge. It’s actually on loan to us from the Bread Lab at Washington State University because they’re generous and supportive of our mission and aligned to our goals to perpetuate the whole grain movement. As an eight inch stone, I sometimes joke it’s like going on a bike tour with a single speed. But for us, we’re two and a half months old, and we have a lot of growing to do, so in the meantime is perfectly adequate for our needs. It’s straightforward – the grain goes in the hopper, comes out the boot, goes into the chamber and gets pushed between the two millstones and comes out the bottom. Ours comes out as a whole product and that’s how we use it. It’s where we create all our flour. 

Can you tell us about what products are available from Tommy’s Whole Grain?

So you can come in for coffee and buy the baked goods (breads, cakes, brownies, cookies, croissants and more). We get our beans from Honest to Pete Coffee, a wonderful little roaster in Olympic Village, so we’re proud to brew and sell his beans here as well. We have a roast beef sandwich and ham sandwich with meats that we get from Oyama Sausage. We use a 36 month old compte cheese on our ham sandwich that we get from Benton Brothers. We also have a quiche and a vegan flatbread that we do daily. Aside from the daily bakes, we have two products that are more shelf stable. We have a whole grain sourdough cracker that I just get really excited about. Then we have a granola, something I’ve been making for years. It’s bougie, it’s 50 percent nuts, so it is very protein and nutrient rich and very filling. While we’re not able to provide milled flour as a product line right now, we know a lot of our patrons are interested in supporting the farm Cedar Isle in Agassiz where we purchase a lot of our grains. They have a CSA program and grains available directly as well. This is very much still our phase one, we have so much more that we are looking forward to showing people once we grow our business. 

What more would you like to see from the Strathcona BIA?

The BIA has been interested in and supportive of this project since I first reached out in summer. So I think just knowing they are there is helpful. If there was ever an opportunity for the BIA to help outline or navigate grant writing, funding applications, or program opportunities that could benefit businesses, that would be nice to have. And then just amplifying our work, just like this, to help attract people to come here and to support us. Finally on the policy side, helping get policy created that encourages more businesses to adopt more sustainable practices, since there’s currently a lack of consequences for unsustainable practices in the industry. 

Learn more about Tommy’s Whole Grain Bakery on their website.

You can also follow them on Instagram here.

If you’ve never explored Strathcona’s gallery district before, this February is the perfect time to dive in. Vancouver Art Walk offers immersive self-guided tours in the Vancouver Arts District of Strathcona and Chinatown, with events happening the first Saturday of every month. Follow their carefully crafted map and discover a diverse selection of contemporary art from acclaimed local, international and Indigenous artists. 

The urban industrial district of Strathcona is home to some of the most dynamic and groundbreaking galleries Vancouver has to offer. With Lunar New Year around the corner, what better time to immerse yourself, get inspired, and take in the art scene in the cultural and historic areas of Strathcona and Chinatown. The opportunity to engage with the work of several Asian-Canadian artists at the gallery exhibitions this month is a special way of honoring the rich tapestry of Asian-Canadian cultural identity in the community. Read on for some of the exciting exhibitions you’ll find along the Vancouver Art Walk in the neighbourhood this month.

First Saturday with Vancouver Art Walk

This Saturday February 3, the several galleries will have exhibitions open for the Vancouver Art Walk.

Outsiders and Others at 716 East Hastings will be hosting an opening reception for their first exhibition of 2024, Cour d’Blax-Neeck: The Aitcheverse from 2pm-4pm.

THIS Gallery at 268 Keefer will also be hosting an opening reception from 12pm-4pm for Re-Imagining Chinatown, a new solo exhibition by Vancouver artist/illustrator Donna Seto. 

Immersive Art Installation Coming to Strathcona to Celebrate Lunar New Year

Where I’m From Exhibition Dates at Gallery 881: February 10 – March 9, 2024

Make sure to return to Strathcona for more immersive art debuting the second weekend in February. Opening on February 10th to kick off Lunar New Year, Where I’m From is a site-specific installation at Gallery 881 by Vancouver based artists, Megan Kwan and Jeremy Jude Lee. Featuring a collection of 55 photographs, the exhibit explores themes of (be)longing captured during Vancouver’s summer time in conversation with physical objects and locations nostalgic to the Asian-Canadian experience. 

Set in Strathcona’s distinctive neighbourhood, Where I’m From collages cinematic photography with video and everyday artifacts, rediscovering the lesser-seen beauties of Vancouver while highlighting the mutual influence of Asian culture in a Western World. The Strathcona BIA is proud to be supporting this collaborative exhibition that the artists’ hope will bridge local artists with Strathcona businesses to foster a culture of belonging and community support for creative entrepreneurs. Participating businesses include: Gallery 881, Printmaker Studio, Sunrise Soya Foods, Sunrise Market, Coolite Bamboo Products, CINCO Drink Co, Allegra – Vancouver, and Alterior/A Living Taste.  

Admission to the gallery exhibition is free and regular operating hours at Gallery 881 are from Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday from 12pm-5pm. Gallery 881 is proudly part of the Vancouver Art Walk initiative, so be sure to pick up a gallery tour map and unlock the doors to a world of creativity in Strathcona and Chinatown.

Let one of these Strathcona catering companies take over the cooking for your holiday parties or winter gatherings.

We’re so lucky to have a plethora of amazing catering companies working right here in Strathcona. Getting ready to plan your holiday dinners and gathering but don’t want to cook? Let one of these delicious businesses take on the heavy lifting and impress your guests at the same time.

You’ll find a range of unique bites from all of the businesses listed below – keep reading to discover 5 Strathcona catering companies to consider this holiday.

@railtowncaters

With holiday season around the corner, trust Railtown for all of your catering needs!

Whether you are planning a party with friends, a long-awaited office celebration, or are looking for a stress free holiday dinner for the family, Railtoen Caters has memorable and delicious offerings to make your celebration the highlight of the year.

Choose from a selection of canapes, platters and seasonal menus suitable for all of your entertainment needs.

railtowncatering.ca

@savourychef

Nothing tastes better than market-fresh produce, locally farmed meats and sustainably sourced seafood. Fresh, local and seasonal ingredients in every dish –  and Savoury Chef is dedicated to featuring the very best that B.C. has to offer.

From carefully planning, tasting and custom-creating menus with each client to offering connections to a network of industry partners and event resources, Savoury Chef is a true one-stop shop, as well as a preferred catering vendor to a number of Vancouver’s premier event venues.

See what they have to offer this season for holiday meals.

savourychef.com

@cocktailscanapes

Cocktails & Canapés specialize in creating a one-of-a-kind innovative experience. With an abundance of catering services and menus and no shortage of creativity, they bring something special to the table every time.

Offering canapés, fine-plated menus, family style meals, graze menus and more you’ll find everything you need for a unique holiday meal right here.

cocktailsandcanapes.com

@yardiegrabz

Yardie Grabz specializes in homestyle grab & go Jamaican food – from Jamaican Patties to BBQ Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Stew & much more! Sticking to their Caribbean roots, their love for homestyle and natural foods remains.

Cooking with halal meats, fresh produce and traditional Jamaican spices and herbs Yardie Grabz uses the freshest and most natural ingredients.

Searching for tasty food to compliment a team lunch, holiday gathering or festive meal? Yardie Grabz provides catering for all clients of any size and circumstance. 

yardiegrabz.ca

For an extensive list of Strathcona businesses visit our business directory here. 

Vancouver has so many great places to grab a cup – here are the best coffee shops in Strathcona.

Strathcona is filled with exceptional coffee roasters and cozy cafes serving up great cups of coffee with incredible ambiance. Here you can find everything from in-house roasters to perfectly pulled espresso to the loveliest of latte art. It’s truly a coffee connoisseur’s dream *insert heart-eye emojis here*.

Some of Vancouver’s best coffee shops live in the heart of Strathcona. We’re proud to have almost a dozen unique and inviting cafes in our little neighbourhood alone. You will find exceptional blends and delicious aromas from locally-owned coffee shops and cafes. Each space represents a little piece of the heart and soul of Strathcona.

However, it doesn’t stop there. If java isn’t your thing, rest assured you can find plenty of delicious snacks, lunch items, teas, and tonics as well – something for everyone!

Here’s a full list of Strathcona’s best places to find coffee and more.

@oidecoffee

From the folks behind the former Gastown coffee stand Iktsuarpok Coffee Stand, Oidé Coffee took over the old Agro Roasters on Clark Drive this past Spring. According to their Instagram, they are still in their soft opening phase however you can still enjoy delicious coffee, teas and baked goods from Thursday to Sunday.

550 Clark Dr.

Hours:

Thurs – Sun: 10am – 4pm

Mon – Wed: Closed

@coastedencafe

They consider themselves more than a cafe. Eden is a social enterprise dedicated to providing the DTES with great coffee and food. They strive to provide a welcoming space for people from all walks of life.

643 East Hastings Street

Hours: Mon – Thurs: 8am – 4:30pm

Sat: 8am – 2pm

Sun: Closed

@thegardenstrathcona

The Garden is top of the list for aesthetically pleasing cafes in Strathcona. Aside from delicious coffee they also have amazing food, a curated retail section, and an entire banquet space that is rentable to the public.

868 E Hastings St. 

Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 am – 4 pm

@palletcoffee

There are few calmer vibes than the ones you experience walking into Pallet Coffee’s Strathcona location. High ceilings and wonderful daytime light make this Powell St. cafe one of our favourites to sit and stay awhile. You can also score their locally roasted beans to take home or order them online.

395 Alexander St. 

Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 3 pm

Sat – Sunday: Closed

@riseupmarketplace

Rise Up Marketplace is a wonderful community gathering place where neighbourhood folks pop by for morning pick-me-up or come to settle in for a quiet lunch break. You can find freshly baked goods, yummy lunch specials, and of course a fine cup of coffee.

704 Vernon Dr.

Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 am – 6pm

Sat – Sun: 9 am – 4 pm

@prototype.coffee

Considered a micro-roastery Prototype is a unique space where you can find a perfectly designed roasting bar and brewing station all in one. The result is one fantastic cup of coffee. You’ll also find take-home beans, cold brews and best waffle-donut hybrid treat.

883 Hastings St.

Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 4 pm

Sat – Sun: 9 am – 5 pm

@scavengercoffee

This quaint little coffee cart lives in Strathcona but can be found at various farmer’s markets, parks and events throughout the city serving hand-pulled espresso and a variety of tea-based drinks.

Various locations and times

@railtowncafe

Upon entering the Railtown Cafe the inviting smells of home-cooked comfort food will instantly tell you that this is so much more than a coffee shop. Serving local Moja beans Railtown Cafe is also not a place to sleep on when it comes to a coffee. We just recommend you arrive hungry.

397 Railway St. 

Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 6 pm

Sat – Sun: 10 am – 4 pm

For an extensive list of Strathcona businesses visit our business directory here. 

Bike To Shop returns this summer from August 13 – 21.

Hub Cycling’s Bike To Shop event is back this August 13 – 21. Local businesses in neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver are offering amazing freebies and sweet deals for people biking to their businesses. 

Get on your bike and come join the Bike to Shop movement with us! As always, registration is 100% free. 

Register here and find the full schedule, including all participating businesses, here.

Visit these Strathcona businesses during Bike To Shop for great deals and delicious freebies.

Map of Itinerary

AWEN HAUS

780 E Cordova St

10% discount for anyone who bikes to Makerlabs.

Awen Haus is a collective of makers focused on beauty, function, quality, creativity, innovation and ingenuity. Come discover their products showcased under one roof at MakerLabs.

COASTAL EDEN CAFE

643 E Hastings St

One free baked good with a purchase of a coffee, tea, or smoothie. Until sold out. 

The Eden Cafe is a social enterprise, dedicated to providing great coffee and food in a welcoming space for people from all walks of life. All proceeds from the Eden Cafe go directly into the Eden DTES program.

CONTAINER BREWING

1216 Franklin St

Buy a beer to stay and get a free cookie. OR buy beer to go and get 15% off.  

Industrial-chic brewpub with a two-level tasting room and lounge, plus one of the best outdoor brewery patios in the city. Munch on eats from the Burdy food truck, including their legendary Chicken Parm sandwich.

ENTERPRISING WOMEN MAKING ART (EWMA)

800 E Hastings St

Complimentary coffee/iced tea. Plus enter to win an original art item from the EWMA Store with each purchase of $20 or more. 

EWMA supports emerging women artists and artisans in the Downtown Eastside community – over 30 local artists are featured at their store! When you shop local here, you support their programming that lifts women up in the community. Find greeting cards, specialty ornaments, pottery, beautiful jewelry and more.

LIVLITE

807 Powell St

Complimentary snacks and a coupon.  

Livlite provides zero waste groceries for delivery or pick-up in Strathcona. They carry everything from quality pantry staples, specialty brands, and tons of local produce and essentials. Goods are stored in returnable, reusable, or compostable vessels.

LUPPOLO BREWING

1123 Venables St

Buy a pizza and get a free beer.  

Your home away from home in the East Van brewery district. Enjoy their craft beers and delicious food – including incredible pizza by Mordimi Bite of Italy – in a warm and welcoming environment.

STRATHCONA BEER

895 E Hastings St

Buy a pint of beer and get an order of our garlic bites for free while quantities last daily. 

World class brewery right in the heart of Strathcona. The brewery focuses towards traditional European styles, global IPA styles, fruit beers, radlers and seasonal offerings. Their gourmet pizza is a neighbourhood favourite!

MAKERLABS

780 E Cordova St

The first 50 visitors who cycle to their Summer Social event will have the opportunity to paint and take home a free laser-cut coaster.

Only on August 13 from 3pm to 8pm. 

A maker space in Vancouver that provides the tools, space and skills to make almost anything. Communal areas include a wood shop, metal shop, CNC router table, laser cutters, sewing machines, Design Lab with 3D printer, and electronics area.

SETTLEMENT BREWING

55 Dunlevy Ave

Brewery Open House with summer beers. 

Only on August 14 from 2pm to 5pm. 

Brewing from the historic Settlement Building, this brewery is a place of collaboration, innovation, and fermenting friendships. Enjoy their beers at neighbouring Belgard Kitchen, or pick-up beers to-go from their retail shop.