Two Saanich businesswomen are working to bring local food, wine and community to the suburbs through a European-inspired grocery store and restaurant hybrid.

Opening next spring in Broadmead Village Shopping Centre, Niche Grocerant will combine B次元官网网址渇ood retail with a dine-in componentB次元官网网址� according to co-owners Ceri Barlow and Jami Wood.

B次元官网网址淲e are not a grocery store,B次元官网网址� said Barlow. Rather, Niche Grocerant will offer a variety of foods and ingredients in dine-in, take-out and cook-at-home format.

Barlow, who has studied wine extensively, and Wood, who has a background in retail, live in the area and after a trip to The FarmerB次元官网网址檚 Daughter last winter realized their neighbourhood needed something similar B次元官网网址� a space to create community and celebrate all the local foods the Island has to offer.

B次元官网网址淲e felt like there was a need there that wasnB次元官网网址檛 being met,B次元官网网址� said Barlow.

The co-owners have now taken over a 1,132 square foot space the Dig This gardening store used to fill, and are in the midst of partnering with local restaurants and producers.

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For Barlow and Wood, COVID-19 has opened up an opportunity B次元官网网址� restaurants that were previously too busy to take on new ventures now have more time on their hands and a need to fill a financial gap.

Already, The Courtney Room, PagliacciB次元官网网址檚, SpinnakerB次元官网网址檚, ZambriB次元官网网址檚, Dumpling Drop, Village Butcher, The Whole Beast and Finest at Sea, have agreed to provide prepped products.

Local farms will supply seasonal ingredients and local breweries and wineries will provide rotating drinks.

Wood said COVID-19 reminded people that food security is an issue on the Island. With sudden shortages of certain ingredients and supplies B次元官网网址減eople became aware of having to take care of where their food comes from,B次元官网网址� she said.

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Barlow and Wood said they want a significant part of Niche Grocerant to be about educating people on where their food comes from and the importance of buying local.

The two have all sorts of plans for their space, including a plant trading library and an outdoor patio.

Ultimately, Barlow and Wood said they want to create a space with a B次元官网网址渘eighbourhood vibeB次元官网网址� like theyB次元官网网址檝e experienced in cafe-restaurant hybrids when visiting Croatia and Italy.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 about promoting all the people that we love. We really believe in whatB次元官网网址檚 possible here,B次元官网网址� said Barlow.

Do you have a story tip? Email: jane.skrypnek@blackpress.ca.

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