Skip to content

Business notes: Baan-Do’s Stir Fry to get a new look

The latest from the Cowichan business community
29453983_web1_220623-CCI-business-notes-Duncan-Day-parade_1
Duncan Day is back this year on July 9, 2022, with its popular parade through downtown. (Citizen file)

Baan-Do’s Stir Fry restaurant on James Street, which has been in business for 17 years, will soon have a new look.

Owner Jaikrishna A said Baan-Do’s, which has an open-concept atmosphere in which customers can watch the chefs cook the meals and serve it up when it’s hot and fresh, will soon have booth seats and new tables.

He said the whole restaurant will also be painted and the outside deck will be open to customers who want to eat outside.

Jaikrishna said Baan-Do’s is also applying for a liquor licence for the first time.

He said, as always, cleanliness will be a priority at the restaurant and it is disinfected and sanitized every day after it is closed and before it is open.

“I bought Baan-Do’s three years ago,” Jaikrishna said.

“I used to own a sports bar in Texas, but I love Vancouver Island so much that I moved here and bought this restaurant.”

••••

The Grid Coworking and Executive Offices is launching its newly designed space at 435 Trunk Rd.

The Grid team is hosting a Work and Mingle Day on June 24 for people who have registered to attend to try out the different spaces at the site from noon to 3 p.m., and enjoy some coffee and pastries from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Grid is a shared office space for forward thinking companies and independent workers in the tech industry and related sectors to work in an inspiring environment, exchange ideas, and grow.

The Trunk Road site offers private offices and hot desks, conferencing and event space, a boardroom, onsite assistance and more.

Members also have access to various office amenities, including printing, high-speed internet, and free parking.

To register for the Work and Mingle Day on Friday, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-grid-coworking-free-work-mingle-tickets-350180006827.

••••

Duncan Day will be back in full force in Downtown Duncan on July 9.

Katherine Divine, executive director of the Downtown Duncan BIA, said the event will be lots of fun for individuals and families.

“We’ll have inflatables, music, a parade and a pancake breakfast,” she said.

“Downtown Duncan retailers on the street should consider having a sidewalk presence on July 9.”

Divine also announced that the DDBIA will he hosting its AGM at Duncan United Church on July 11 at 7 p.m.

“We’ll have great snacks and a draw for everyone who attends for a chance to win some Duncan money,” she said.

••••

Professional golfers Norm Jackson and Andy Johnson were playing at the Cowichan Golf Club on June 21-22 to help raise awareness and funds for the ALS Society of BC.

They are among 103 professional golfers from across B.C. who are participating in the 16th Annual PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS, presented by Pacific Blue Cross during the month of June on more than 40 golf courses across the province.

The golfers will golf as many holes as possible from sunrise to sunset to support those living with ALS.

“On behalf of the [PGA] Association, I am extremely proud of the PGA of BC’s involvement with the Golfathon for ALS, benefiting the ALS Society of BC patient services,” said Donald Miyazaki, executive director of the PGA of BC.

“Throughout our years of participation, the efforts of countless golf professionals and volunteers have helped raise over $2.3 million. The program has assisted tens of thousands of individuals throughout B.C. affected by this deadly disease. I am confident that with the continued support of our members, 2022 will be yet another successful PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS.”

••••

Mill Bay’s Unsworth Restaurant is one of three restaurants on Vancouver Island that made the top 100 best outdoor places to eat in Canada.

The list was compiled by OpenTable, an online restaurant-reservation service company.

It was generated from 820,963 verified diner reviews collected between March 1 and Feb. 28.

The overall score is made up of data points such as overall diner rating, user clout, total number of reviews and regional overall rating.

Ontario topped the list with 62 establishments, followed by B.C. with 21.

Finn’s Seafood, Chops and Cocktails in Victoria and The Dining Room at The Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay were the other two restaurants on Vancouver Island that made the list.

“As the first summer and patio season in two years without lockdowns or restrictions, the energy and excitement from Canadians is palpable,” said Matt Davis, country director for OpenTable Canada.

••••

Bosley’s, a pet supply store in Cowichan Commons, has expanded its retail space.

Manager Tara Hillsden said the store has taken out it’s grooming room to expand the pet food supply section.

“We closed down our bath section for a couple of days during the expansion, but we remained open during the work,” she said.

••••

The Freshslice Pizza location in Duncan has switched to become part of the LOCAL Pizza chain.

The restaurant, located at 435 Trunk Rd., changed franchises a couple of weeks ago but has the same owners and the same staff.

LOCAL Pizza, which was established on Vancouver Island, has a different menu and offers a wide selection of pizzas, from traditional to gourmet, that are available at the Duncan location.

••••

The Cowichan Valley’s Alderlea Vineyard, one of Vancouver Island’s oldest and most respected vineyards, has won a gold medal for its 2021 Bacchus at the All Canadian Wine Championships.

The vineyard’s 2017 Matrix and 2018 merlot both won silver medals.

Alderlea Vineyards is the fourth oldest winery on Vancouver Island and was first planted in 1994.

All fruit used in Alderlea wines is estate-grown, and its wines include Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Foch, Cabernet Foch and Cabernet Libre.

••••

The popular Duncan Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday in City Square, is one of the largest markets of its kind in British Columbia with more than 100 vendors.

All the products sold at the market are locally grown and produced, and people come from all over the region to buy local foods and fine crafts, as well as to socialize.

There are more than 145 similar farmers’ markets across 10 regions in B.C., which all bring together local vendors and businesses allowing people to easily support their local farmers and growers.

With summer and peak travel season right around the corner, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets has made it easy for travellers and locals to find a local market near them, no matter where they are in the province.

The handy and easy-to-use BC Farmers’ Market Trail is a free, online resource that allows users to search for markets closest to them according to their needs and preferences.

More information about the tool and this year’s market season can be found at https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/