Pop in for a coffee and get a taste of what’s to come with the soft opening of Windsor Café this week.
It is the latest eatery in the space across from Windsor Park and steps from the beach. The most recent owners left a lot of work behind, meaning a closure for new owners Quinn Forsythe and Jay Forsythe.
“We had a lot to do when we took over, but we saw the vision and we love the location,” says Quinn, who owns the cafe with wife Jay Forsythe.
The time taken means all new equipment and the beauty of a repurposed forest fire cedar tree that makes up the tables, bars (featuring live edge design) and sign outside. Eating-in options, or popping in for a pint, include patio seating out front and back and tables upstairs offering a view to the park.
They’ve both worked extensively in the business, including her family’s Thai Lemongrass in Cadboro Bay.
“I’ve always been in restaurants. I’ve always wanted my own restaurant,” says Jay. “We have a lot of interesting stories and experiences.”
The similar demographic of Windsor Road drew them to the site.
“I just know this is going to kill it, just because of the feedback already,” Quinn says confidently. They even sold their home and moved into a cottage in Gordon Head to fuel the dream.
The plan is to open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to start but hope to extend into the evening once they’re established.
The plan is to offer grab-and-go items such as sandwiches, pop, coffee to take away or eat in.
“We also have a dine in menu,” Quinn says, noting it features 14 to 15 seasonal items. “We’re going to have a niche, small, seasonal menu.”
Winsdsor Café’s soft opening is March 8, with a grand opening planned for March 24 at 2450 Windsor Rd.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com
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