Dirk Britton has opened an Original Joe's Restaurant and Bar in Langford, the first franchise for Vancouver Island and seventh in B.C. in the past three years. The Calgary-based casual dining chain, which compares itself to Applebee's, Earl's and Moxie's, is known for its hefty servings and affordable prices. "We don't sell a lot of desserts," says Britton, a civil engineer who spent 15 years in project management and computer software design. He moved here from Vancouver with his wife, who took a certified management accountant position. Since opening in September, response to Original Joe's has been "overwhelming," Britton says. "We've had lineups for lunch and dinner almost every night of the week. The message I'm getting is that Langford was in need of more dining options -- and still is, in my opinion." The restaurant has a staff of 53 and is located next to Cobs Bread near Best Buy at Westshore Village, 125-2955 Phipps Rd. It's open 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Original Joe's has 36 locations in Western Canada. Of the 27 in Alberta, nine are in Calgary.
Lighthouse scores; Hermannator arrives
Lighthouse Brewery has elbowed into Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre as official local beer supplier to Victoria Salmon Kings games and other events at the arena. Vancouver Island Brewery had the in-house beer deal for the past four years but did not renew. Molson products are also served in the arena. Esquimalt-based Lighthouse, which has been producing craft beers since 1998, has a lineup that includes Lighthouse Lager, Race Rocks and Beacon IPA, which will be served in all areas of the building. "This is a very big opportunity for our local company and allows us to expose a large number of people to our locally produced beers through an established organization within the community, said Lighthouse spokesman John Fitterer ... Vancouver Island Brewery, meanwhile, this week released its pride-and-joy product, Hermannator Ice Bock, as usual in time for Christmas. The strong beer takes more than three months to brew using chocolate and caramel malts and has been decorated with awards over the years ... Not to be outdone, upstart Phillips Brewery is releasing some seasonal favourites of its own -- Dirty Squirrel and an encore for Dr. Funk, a popular Bavarian Ale ... A nice feather in the cap for this week: Simon Ogden, barkeep at Veneto Lounge in the Hotel Rialto, was named Bartending Champion at the B.C. Hospitality Foundation's annual fundraiser in Vancouver. Ogden bested his peers with a concoction he calls Rhymes With Orangie using Glenmorgangie single malt scotch.
Airport parking paving underway
Prepare for some delays if you're heading to the airport in the next few weeks. The airport authority started paving the short-term and overflow parking lots Monday, and the project is expected to take four to six weeks. Parking is now a bit confusing, so watch the signs.
On the Move
Dan Wilmhurst, who has spent more than 34 years in the financial planning, accounting and management consulting industries, has opened his own fee-for-service, independent personal financial planning business. He's also aligned with Lee & Co. Chartered Accountant to provide corporate planning. Wayne Lee is a 30-year veteran in his industry and specializes in estates and trusts, professional practices, owner-managed businesses and personal and corporate tax. You can reach Wilmhurst at 250-744-2264 or Lee at 250-598-8900 ... David Levinson has opened a new accounting practice, DA Levinson & Associates, at 204-2610 Douglas St. He had been director of finance for FTS Forest Technology Systems since 2006 ... Sean Williams is the new general manager at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa in Courtenay.
New optometrist at Maycock
Dr. Nadia Malik has joined Maycock Eyecare at the company's new clinic at 1318 Blanshard St. in downtown Victoria. Malik received her doctorate of optometry from the State University of New York in 2004 and was most recently practising in Saskatchewan. She is available to see new and existing patients. Call 250-384-4175.
Cridge Centre welcomes new board
Valerie Fuller, Grand & Toy account manager, and Claudia Dorrington of Victoria Prayer Counselling joined the board of the Cridge Centre for the Family at the organization's 137th annual general meeting. David Rand continues as board president while Greg Cran, director of the school of peace and conflict management at Royal Roads University and a great-great grandson of Bishop Edward and Mary Cridge, returns after a one-year absence as vice-president. Business coach Rosemary Smyth is treasurer while Sylvia Van Kirk, a retired history professor, continues as secretary. Society directors include another great-great grandson, Michael Cridge, an investment banker with BMO; Colin Moorman of Duttons and Co.; Louise Parton, owner of Greater Victoria Hearing Consultants; and Anne Spicer, CM, retired.
Tourism CEO joins national board
Tourism Victoria chief executive Rob Gialloreto was named to the board of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada this week, a lofty post in an organization that is the voice of the private sector for the $72-billion tourism industry in Canada. Gialloreto was also one of 11 board members picked to represent the B.C. Destination Marketing Organization Association. Blain Sepos, executive director of Oceanside Tourism, was also named to the board.
Another new boss for Maritime Museum
Just over a month after being appointed executive director of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Kevin Carle has stepped down for medical reasons. He was replaced this week by Martyn Clark, a veteran schooner master, maritime fundraiser and author and co-founder of Canadian Sail Training Association. Clark also owns Cove Yachts Ltd., Clark MacKeown Yachts and the River Boatshop on Porcher Island. Carle, who retired from the Canadian Forces in 2008, had replaced interim executive director Shirley Vickers.
Pet funeral home opens tomorrow
Jocelyne Monette officially opens Victoria's first funeral home dedicated to pets tomorrow. Greater Victoria Pet Memorial Center at 485 John St. offers remembrance products, cremation as well as celebration of life memorial services with viewings. Monette is modeling her new business after a similar one she ran in Quebec from 2004 until last February, working with more than 3,000 families. Although the majority of her business was with dogs and cats, other pets included lizards, snakes, rats, birds, goldfish, guinea pigs, rabbits and hedgehogs. The grand opening and tours go from 4 to 8 p.m. Check petmemorialcenter.ca
