Oak Bay is losing a bustling community hub and parent haven with the closing of the doors of Crumsby’s Cafe in Estevan Village, but much-loved owner Maria Elwood is ready to write a new chapter.
Announced publicly last night on their social media accounts, the last day for the cafe will be Sunday April 22.
“It’s been nine years and it is so much more than I could have ever imagined,” said Elwood. “This is my neighbourhood as well. I have been so fortunate to have so many wonderful people embrace us. It has been a wonderful gift.”
Her favorite thing is to stand in the cafe and just listen to the buzz.
“It wasn’t just about the coffee shop,” said Elwood. “That wasn’t what it was about. It was about bringing people together.”
The boisterous environment draws a certain crowd, mostly made up of families and seniors.
“People are so caring and loving. It’s special people that come into a place like this. You are getting an experience here, so you get some very caring people,” said Elwood.
Her background is in early childcare, having opened up the first childcare centre in a law firm in Washington D.C. before moving to Victoria to raise a family. Upon arriving in Victoria 25 years ago, she worked at Glenlyon Norfolk School, helping to start the junior kindergarten program.
“That was my career, so kids have always been my passion,” said Elwood.
Though the shop doors are closing, some favourite Crumsby’s muffins will still be available in coffee shops around town.
“I’ll get up early and bake and make the mixes, then I’ll have the rest of my day. I just need a little time for me,” said Elwood.
With that said, she just got an order of 600 cupcakes and another customer asking for 400.
“So we’ll have one last hurrah,” said Elwood.
— Crumsby's Cafe (@Crumsbys) April 11, 2018
“We are so lucky to live here. It is just an amazing place to be. And someone will do something wonderful with the space,” said Elwood.
There has been an outpouring of love and support online for Maria and her next adventure, evidence of the great impact she has had on the community.
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