Here a J.S., there a J.S., everywhere a J.S.
The Stevens clan has cornered the food and beverage market, so to speak, at the Chemainus Public Market.
In this corner, family matriarch Julie Stevens is taking over the operation of Captain Andy’s restaurant.
On the opposite side, daughter Jenn Stevens is assuming control of Coffee Row.
And, next to her, Julie Stevens’ granddaughter and Jenn’s daughter Jaida Stevens will soon begin running the Archie’s Ice Cream Parlour & Diner.
Of course, Julie will be overseeing all three to ensure everything runs smoothly.
All three sections of the market are closed for the time being for renovations and cleaning, but preparations are under way for a soft opening on Remembrance Day.
“We’re trying to get ready for Nov. 11,” said Julie. “It’s one of the busiest days here in November. We’ll do what we can do.”
Nov. 15 is the expected date for full-time operation for all three.
Julie will still be finishing her obligations at the Mount Brenton Golf Course’s Canteen On The Green until Jan. 29, 2024 and working at both locations.
Julie has brought in Pavel Kadlec, formerly of P.K.’s Fish and Chips, to work alongside her at Captain Andy’s.
“I think it’ll be really nice,” said Julie. “We’re going to have a really good fish and chip guy here.”
Through Maple Lane Catering, she’ll also have a 50-seat catering room available within the building.
“People can book it for meetings, different events or birthdays,” Julie said. “We’ll cater from here. That’ll be built.
“The idea is to have a patio built for the summer,” she added. “We’ve got some really good plans.”
Jenn Stevens has done many things over the years from baking to health care.
“Baking was a passion and health care was a career,” she indicated.
Jenn will have a chance to realize her passion at Coffee Row.
“We’re just going to extend it and make some more room,” she said of initial plans at the counter.
“She’ll be doing fresh baked goods right there,” added Julie.
“I’m going to try to do a signature cupcake every week,” Jenn pointed out.
There may even be a reappearance of the Chemainiac bar, said Julie, that was a specialty of her former Maple Lane Cafe that she ran from October of 2012 until February of 2021.
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In addition to in-house baked breads for sandwiches at Coffee Row, “it’ll be soups and chilies,” said Jenn of other meal selections.
Over at Archie’s Ice Cream Parlour & Diner, Jaida said the scene will be “kind of the old ’50s diner.” There will be ice cream, root beer floats and more, with burgers on fresh homemade buns.
“The whole idea is the ’50s,” said Julie. “The plan is to have the old sock hop music.”
And with Jay Stevens as the family musician, he’ll be making regular appearances for entertainment along with the family-run food operations. “We’re kind of redoing Warren Goulding’s original plan,” Julie noted.