Jac’s on Queens Sports Bar has a new owner.
Mckayla Vancoughnett took over the business, located at 60 Queens Rd. in Duncan, in September and has been working hard at rejuvenating and renovating it since then.
She said Jac’s on Queens wasn’t doing well when she took it over, with the COVID-19 pandemic playing a big part in that.
But Vancoughnett added that the establishment, which has been in operation for approximately 35 years, also had a “difficult reputation” that she is successfully changing for the better due to her vigilant care and attention to the business since she took over.
“I felt that this community was in need of a refreshing place where people can dance and have fun,” she said. “There’s lots of great restaurants in this community, but not a lot of nightlife and there’s so much potential for that here. My goal is to have live music three or four times a month and DJ club nights, and we just developed a new menu that will have the classic pub foods, and we also have things like deep-fried Mars bars.”
Vancoughnett said she has completed some renovations at Jac’s on Queens since she took over, and more are planned.
She said this is her first business and she had a lot to learn.
“But the community has shown up for me, and I’m grateful,” Vancoughnett said.
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Brickitty-dooda is moving to a new location in Duncan.
Brickitty-dooda, which has been operating at the Chemainus Public Market on Willow Street for the past four years, offers a quality LEGO experience for its customers with new LEGO sets, collectable sets, mini-figures, nostalgia candy and much more.
Owner David Eguin said the Chemainus Public Market plans to close at the end of January so the store is moving to 303 Festubert St.
He said the new location requires some renovations, so if all goes well, he hopes to have it open for business by late January or early February.
Eguin said Brickitty-dooda is unique on Vancouver Island so he believes his customers in the region will follow the business to its new location.
“Nobody does LEGO like us,” he said.
“I have fostered a connection with our customers and treat every kid as important as everyone else. Business at Brickitty-dooda has ebbed and flowed over the years, like it has been for many other businesses, but it’s always been worthwhile.”
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Cowichan Pet Emporium in Lake Cowichan is partnering with non-profit Su Casa Rescue, which assists dogs and cats, to feed animals in need.
Starting on Jan. 6, anyone that has animal food they no longer want or need can donate the items at the Cowichan Pet Emporium, located at 170 Cowichan Lake Rd., where it will be placed in a Su Casa bin for dispersal to those that need it.
“The bin is for anyone needing assistance,” CPE said on the Lake Cowichan Happenings web page.
“Su Casa will also have their regular wish list donations. Ask our friendly staff for assistance."
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A friendly reminder that nominations for the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Black Tie Awards close on Jan. 26.
The annual Black Tie Awards celebrate local excellence by recognizing outstanding businesses and volunteers in the community.
All nominees for the Black Tie Awards must operate and/or work within the Cowichan Valley Regional District, and the businesses and organizations nominated must be Canadian owned and operated to be eligible for nomination.
The categories are Exceptional Customer Experience; Business Achievement; Arts & Culture; Young Entrepreneur; New Business; Community Builder; Environment Excellence; Volunteer of the Year; and Non-Profit Organization.
The 25th annual Black Tie Awards are scheduled to take place on April 11 at the Chemainus Theatre.
“The stage is set and the spotlight awaits. Who will you choose to shine it on?” the chamber said. “This is your moment to make sure their story is told.”
Visit www.blacktieawards.com to put in a nomination.
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B-I-N-G-O your way into 2025 at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce’s first Mix & Mingle of the year on Jan. 22, hosted by RBC at their location at 395 Trunk Rd.
The event, which runs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., includes a playful BINGO twist that takes the awkward out of networking and makes meeting new people a breeze, as well as delicious drinks and snacks to keep the vibes high.
“Whether you’re a networking pro or just coming out of your shell, this isn’t your average business event,” the chamber said.
“It’s your chance to share ideas, swap stories, and maybe even shout “BINGO!” as you win over the room.”
The event is free for chamber members and their guests.
Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.
