The local coffee roaster and cafe is expanding to a second location in Sooke on a trial basis. Stick in the Mud Coffee House and Specialty Roaster will be giving a location at the Prestige a good old fashion kick at the coffee can. Taking over what used to be known as Sophies will give Dave Evans, owner of the Stick, an opportunity to do a trial run of operating a second location in Sooke.
“I’m not sure that I ever envisioned having a temporary summer location in the lobby of a five star hotel,” said Evans. “This short term project at the Prestige Hotel gives us a chance to look at our infrastructure and our capabilities, and to see if we can do this. And if we can do it, maybe within a year we will look for a second location.”
Evans operates within a community a high-calibre coffee outlets, which have been springing up over the past decade throughout Vancouver Island. He is not afraid of competition; rather, he embraces the opportunity to collectively raise the bar. “The rising tide floats all boats,” he said. “More people drinking coffee is what I want.”
The Stick first opened its doors in July, 2007, in an obscure, tucked-away location that would definitely NOT attract the curious, unsuspecting passer-by. And some how, through a combination of: word-of-mouth, community participation, advertising, consistent marketing, and reputation, the Stick not just survived but grew. Now, he has a staff of 16 that include six bakers managed by Cathi Coutts, nine bar staff managed by Garrath Morgan, and, of course, himself.
For now, the Stick will operate a morning cafe at the Prestige.
“It’s here, it’s an asset,” says Evans in regard to the Prestige. “It’s bringing people to Sooke who might never come to Sooke.”
The current hours will go from 7 to 11 a.m.
If you have business news give the editor a call at 250-642-5752 or email: editor@sookenewsmirror.com.