Swiss Chalet restaurant shuts
The only Swiss Chalet in Victoria has closed.
The restaurant at 3233 Douglas St. has notices posted on its doors from bailiffs Consolidated Civil Enforcement saying the landlord has terminated the lease effective May 15, citing rent arrears, as well as advertising, royalties and other fees payable to the licence agreement.
The notice is from Swiss Chalet parent Recipe Unlimited Corp., formerly Cara Operations Ltd., and addressed to 0856423 B.C. Ltd., and Fernando Facchini, Rosana Facchini and Peter Rakovich. The bailiff indicated in the postings that locks on the doors have been changed.
Cover your face to shop at Costco
If you’re heading to Costco, take a mask. The warehouse retailer is recommending all members and their guests wear a mask or coverings over their face and nose “at all times when on the Costco premises.”
“Public health experts recommend the use of masks or face coverings in public settings,” Costco said. The policy does not apply to children under two or to people unable to wear a mask or face-covering due to a medical condition.
Costco said the use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social- distancing. “Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises,” it said.
Face masks have been required at Costco stores in the United States since May 4. A video making the rounds shows a Costco worker in the U.S. taking away a shopping cart full of groceries from a customer who refused to wear a mask.
It isn’t clear how Costco will enforce the rules here, as the company said in its statement it is only recommending masks.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel unveils Faro
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel announced the opening of its newest restaurant, Faro, a rebranding and expansion of the former Kate’s Cafe.
Aiming for a soft-opening at the beginning of June and launching takeout and delivery this week, Faro is anchored by its Wood Stone pizza oven and a seasonally changing menu that includes pizzas, salads and small bites, cocktails and local wines.
Faro will be a 54-seat, full-service restaurant with a 60-seat patio, open for morning café service, lunch and dinner.
Hotel general manager Madone Pelan said with all other amenities at the hotel closed, “we were able to thoughtfully dedicate our time to this project and will slowly open, when it is safe to do so, bringing a fresh and exciting new vibrancy to our dining options.”
Housing society elects board chair
Lisa Edwards was elected chair of the Greater Victoria Housing Society. Edwards has been a board member since 2016. In her consulting practice, she supports strategic dialogue for corporations, non-profit organizations and government agencies. She is joined by Kent Verge, new vice-chair. Melody Hermann continues as secretary and Fraser Stamp-Vincent as treasurer.
