Liz and Lance Steward don’t have much spare time, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
The couple are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the opening of their Just Jakes restaurant in Duncan this year, as well as the 10th anniversary of their acquisition of the city’s Craig Street Brew Pub, which has become a venerable drinking institution in the Cowichan Valley.
The couple also own Jakes at the Lake, a restaurant on Cowichan Lake, and are also part owners of the Red Arrow Brew Pub in Duncan.
As well, they have just begun a food-truck service that carries many of the favourites from Just Jakes.
Lance said that with all the businesses, he and his wife have become used to working 24/7 over the years, and don’t mind it all.
“We just put out the fires as we go,” he said.
“We jokingly think about retiring every Monday morning, but we really enjoy the work and like the people we work with. After all, we’re not that old yet, so we still have a few good years in us.”
Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic adds one
Cowichan Chiropractic & Wellness clinic in Duncan has added another health practitioner to its practice.
Saja Vaccaro provides traditional acupuncture with a focus on the treatment of acute and chronic pain.
Vaccaro and her partner just recently arrived in the Cowichan Valley from Ontario, choosing to make their home here to start both a hobby farm and health practice.
Vaccaro said she cares deeply for the comfort and wellbeing of all her patients.
In June, chiropractor Noel Hauck and massage therapist Lisa Davies also joined the clinic.
Esso and Tim Hortons sign on to Oyster Bay
An Esso gas station and a Tim Hortons outlet will be joining the Ladysmith & District Credit Union in the Stz’uminus First Nation’s Oyster Bay Community.
They are the latest additions to the community, which is being constructed just north of Ladysmith.
The first phase of the development, which is expected to have as many as 1,300 residents, is a 10,000 square-foot retail and office building.
Phase one will be anchored by the Stz’uminus branch of the credit union, and more tenants are being announced as they are confirmed.
It is hoped the new businesses and residents in Oyster Bay will translate into significant revenue for the First Nation, opportunities for its members and improved services for the entire community.
Robert.Barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com