Strathcona will be hosting its “Meet the Makers” Expo June 13 inviting Vancouverites to sample all the goods and services that Strathcona has to offer.
“It will be a chance for the public to experience Strathcona,” said Joji Kumagai, executive director of the BIA. The expo will showcase four key areas of business: restaurants, breweries, cafes and locally made goods.
Owner and chef of Strathcona-based Yolks Steven Ewing said at a media preview last week that Strathcona was a key step in getting Yolks from a food truck to a real restaurant, even though the building is famously rundown.
“The cheap rent here in Strathcona let me get started,” Ewing said. What began as a 30-seat space now seats 84, and the business is looking to expand even more beyond its restaurant and food truck.
“Even just in the three years I’ve been here, this neighbourhood has cleaned up a lot,” Ewing said.
Rick Havlak, owner of the Homesteader’s Emporium, said the inspiration for the store came from a lot of failed DIY project because he simply couldn’t access the things he needed.
“I thought, what Vancouver needs is a store where you can walk in with an idea for something you want to learn about . . . and you can get everything you need,” Havlak said. The store hosts workshops on cheese and soap making, as well as things like beekeeping.
Yolks and Homesteader’s Emporium will be two of the 18 businesses participating in the expo.
Guests can anticipate samples, tastings and workshops from 18 local businesses, as well as attend a panel headed by real estate marketer Bob Rennie.
The event will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 13. Free tickets are available at madeinstrathcona.ca.
@KathleenSaylors
