Another chapter of the iconic Fanny Bay Inn is about to start as a new owner will be taking over.
Red Seal chef Diana Johnstone is taking over operations from Roxanne O’Brien, who owned the business for the last eight years.
The Fanny Bay Inn, located on Highway 19A beside Fanny Bay in Baynes Sound, first opened in 1938. At that time Highway 19A was the only highway to the North Island, making it a popular spot for travellers.
Johnstone owns a restaurant in Squamish but immediately jumped on the opportunity to take over the Fanny Bay Inn when a friend sent her a link to the real estate listing.
“I immediately read that link and I called the real estate agent,” Johnstone said. “The next day I was on the ferry and I came over and I knew I loved it from the second I saw it.”
O’Brien told CHEK News it’s sad to sell the Fanny Bay Inn after buying when she first moved to Vancouver Island eight years ago.
“Crazy feelings up, down, everywhere, inside out,” she said. “It’s just been a roller coaster getting Diana settled and getting me out of here, but you know what, all in all it’s going to be in good hands I tell you.”
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Johnstone officially took over the Inn Friday. She plans to launch an updated menu April 1, but says the Inn’s famous fried oysters will remain.
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