After more than 12 years, Karina and Gregory Fischer are gearing up to scoop their last gelato.
“We opened up when half of Cleveland Avenue was shut down,” Gregory says.
“The windows in the storefronts were just full of paper,” Karina adds.
The owners of the Bistro & Gelato Carina have been active proponents of downtown Squamish’s revitalization since first opening the doors to their café. Gregory helped spearhead community events such as the Christmas Market, Canada Day and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations. Their café is also famously known for hosting live bands on its roof. Selling the local landmark won’t change the duo’s spirit for volunteerism, they say.
“We will always support downtown,” Gregory says.
Talks have been in the works to sell the commercial space for approximately two years. The Fischer’s wanted to find a buyer that was the right fit for the community. Their match was right next door. Zephyr Café owner Adrian Blachut has the key in hand.
“To sell the place was really hard,” Karina says, noting she will miss her customers. “But we wanted a change and the store needed a change. We just wanted the right person.”
Blachut couldn’t be happier. It is difficult to find sizable commercial space in downtown Squamish, he noted, adding it’s an issue that will need to change if the community wants to see larger enterprises – such as the Cactus Club Cafe – move to town.
Blachut plans to move Zephyr into the new space and keep the smaller, current coffee shop location for another project. He aims to keep its funky, down-to-earth vibe with some added features like a fireplace and rooftop patio.
“It’s all in the very early planning stages,” he says.
Zephyr Café has been a downtown staple for seven years. Blachut bought the café three and a half years ago. Since then he says he’s seen dramatic changes in the community’s core.
“Downtown is crazy right now. The summers are absolutely packed.”
The opening of restaurants like The Copper Coil, Oryzae Japanese Cuisine and The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar help draw more people to the area, Blachut says. He welcomes them all, noting the bigger a hub created, the more spill-over businesses will have.
“We see that right now with the Zephyr and the Sunflower (Bakery Café),” Blachut says, noting customers flow between the two depending on each location’s waits.
The new developments along the Mamquam Blind Channel will only add to the bustle of downtown, he notes. While it’s good news, Blachut says he expects there will also be growing pains.
“The infrastructure and parking issues are going to come up.”
The Fischers are hosting a farewell party for the community on Saturday, Oct. 15. The café will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Music by Carolyn Grass and Jocelyn Pettit will start at 4 p.m.
“It is just a thank you to our clients,” Gregory says.
The next morning will mark the first Sunday in years that the couple has not had to rise from bed to open the shop. They both agree they are looking forward to the sleep-in and then it’s off on a road trip.
“I wish Adrian all the best. It warms our heart to see him take over. However, I probably will cry, but life goes on and further,” Karina says.
