When Jamie Embree, co-owner of Good Omens Coffee House, noticed a leak under the counter last month, she thought the problem would involve a call to the plumber and a simple repair.
Instead, the plumber discovered a major pipe had failed and the crawl space was drenched.
As a result, everything within 10 square metres of the leak had to be rebuilt.
Then, as the work was underway, other related problems were discovered.
“As they investigated further, the damage was a lot more than anyone had expected,” Embree said.
Once the restoration work was completed, they discovered the dishwasher had also failed and had to be replaced.
The landlord is covering part of the repairs and restoration, but not any related expenses such as business interruption, lost income, lost perishables and lost staff wages.
“Our insurance denied our claim for loss of business and loss of perishable items,” she said.
The coffee house was closed for several weeks and in the first days after it reopened last week, the hours of operation were shorter than usual and the menu selection was limited to beverages and baked goods.
The coffee house was back to its full hours and a full menu on Monday.
To compensate for the losses, Good Omens will hold a fundraising backyard barbecue on Saturday, May 31, from 6 to 9 p.m.
“We’re calling it a Pity Party,” Embree said.
“We need to raise funds so we can pay our staff for their down time and help cover some of our losses and repairs.”
There is a minimum $8 donation for the barbecue. It will also feature a cash bar and a live and silent auction.
Summerland businesses have been generous in donating items for the silent auction and door prizes, she said.
“It’s community spirit at its finest,” Embree said. “It makes Summerland shine really brightly with community support.”
