Duncan’s White Spot restaurant reopened this week for the first time since a devastating fire destroyed the business last year.
The doors officially opened on Oct. 11 after an approximately $3-million rebuild of the restaurant and many of the restaurant’s old customers, plus many new ones, have kept the staff busy ever since.
The site of the restaurant, on the corner of the Trans Canada Highway and Cowichan Way, has been a White Spot location for 20 years and co-owner Marty Goliath said 26 of his former 46 staff members returned to work after the 13-month rebuild.
“We’ve always been like a family here and we do a lot of things together,” he said.
“We’re also seeing a lot of the same faces among our customers and we’re really pleased that we have such loyalty in the community. There apparently was a big pent-up demand for the return of this White Spot location.”
Merridale Cider launching new brandy
Cobble Hill’s Merridale Cider & Distillery will launch its limited-release Cowichan cognac-style brandy, called Hors d’Age, on Oct. 21.
The brandy was created in 2006 from select B.C. grapes from a single vineyard, and fermented without additives.
The Hors d’Age brandy is a single batch, single barrel and has been distilled twice in the past 10 years in an alembic copper-pot still.
The brandy was then left to rest in a French oak barrel made in B.C.
To celebrate the brandy’s release, Merridale will host a dinner of French-inspired, brandy-infused dishes on Friday.
“I really enjoy having the opportunity to speak directly with people interested in our craft,” said Merridale’s owner Rick Pipes.
“I am very passionate about what we have created and I welcome our guests to join me.”
To make reservations for the event, email info@merridale.ca or call 250-743-4293.
Business Showcase promises day of events
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce will host its 4th annual Business Showcase at the Ramada Duncan on Oct. 21.
A full day of events is planned, including seminars, a luncheon, exhibits and an after-party mixer.
Approximately 25 local businesses will show-and-tell their products and services at the showcase, and the morning seminars include “Coordinating Facebook & Instagram” and “Mobile Marketing.”
The luncheon’s keynote speaker will be John Hankins from the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation.
For costs and all other information on the Business Showcase, go to www.duncancc.bc.ca
New counselling service opens doors in Duncan
A new counselling service has opened its doors in Duncan.
Veritas Counseling Solutions is now operating from the Sutton Group Building, located at 2610 Beverly St., and the business will host an open house on Oct. 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Glyn Easson, a registered professional counsellor, said Veritas specializes in individual and relationship counselling, as well as counselling for people with anger, depression and grief and loss issues, as well as those dealing with addiction and life transitions. “I’m inviting the public to drop by and visit on Oct. 22 and they will be able to ask me about my work and the centre,” he said. “I’ll also have appetizers and refreshments laid out.”
For more information, go to 250-597-8654.
