BUSINESS BEAT: Caterer shifts gears, starts a new chapter

Feys and Hobbs will continue as more of a product-based business

David Feys opened his Oak Bay shop last February, but will close it March 1.

David Feys opened his Oak Bay shop last February, but will close it March 1.

It’s hard to sum up a 17-year career.

But as David Feys of Feys and Hobbs Catered Arts prepares to move on to a new chapter, he used one word to describe it: wonderful.

“We’ve done some magnificent parties and events, and as an event manager and planner, I’ll continue to do some great parties. We just won’t be making the food ourselves,” he said.

Feys announced on Monday he is closing his catering operation and The Canteen on Oak Bay Avenue, effective March 1. His focus, as he plans to continue with product development and event design and management, is on life balance.

“I have a personal issue that I need to give particular focus to and I have a long-standing contract with a corporation to do event planning and management, and it is growing and opening new doors for me.”

The Feys and Hobbs brand will continue, as Feys continues to create and expand his product line which includes preserves, chutneys and nuts.

– Megan Cole

Thrifty Foods bucking up for kids

Kidsport B.C. is the charity of choice for Thrifty Foods during its Orange You Glad You Helped a Kid fundraiser campaign. The company is donating $1 from every four-pound bag of Buck brand oranges sold between Feb. 13 and until March 5. Funds raised also go to local chapters, including Kidsport Greater Victoria and 10 others. Victoria Kidsport general manager Patti Hunter says it costs roughly $250 to outfit a disadvantaged child in a season of sport.

Hair salon team truly inspiring

From coaching volleyball together in Calgary to becoming business partners in downtown Victoria, Sarah Krook and Kathryn Genereux are a great team. According to Krook, Genereux wanted to open a small business where “everyone felt special, welcome and appreciated.” That dream became reality a last month when Krook, a stylist, teamed up with to open Inspire Hair Design at 1009 Blanshard St.

B.C.-based investment firm marks milestone anniversary

Odlum Brown Ltd. celebrated 90 years in business this week in Victoria with the company’s 19th annual address, at the Hotel Grand Pacific. President/CEO Debra Hewson and Murray Leith, vice-president and director of investment research, were among the presenters.

Names in the news in Greater Victoria business

Longtime ad agency owner and curling advocate Keith Dagg is being honoured by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce with a lifetime achievement award. Dagg will be recognized at the 2013 Greater Victoria Business Awards gala at the Fairmont Empress Hotel … Management accountant and entrepreneur Mark Mawhinney is the new chair of the Victoria Dragon Boat Society board of directors, replacing two-year chair Mark Grey-Dreaper. Staying on are vice-chair Tony Joe, treasurer Ken Yao and secretary Shannon Holms.

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