For over three decades, a family-run restaurant in Metchosin has been serving up not just home-cooked meals, but success — proving that hard work really does go a long way.
On Tuesday, staff at My-Chosen Cafe on Happy Valley Road celebrated the restaurant’s 35th anniversary while recalling the milestones that got them there.
“It feels like a long time,” co-owner Shannon Madill told CHEK News. “But we’re happy that we’re here, definitely.”
“I was 19 years old and my husband Mike was 23 when we first started. We were just happy to get through our first year,” she said with a laugh.
The restaurant, known for its burgers, pasta, pizza and breakfast opened on July 12, 1987, with loyal customers attesting that a lot has changed through the years.
“We started off in the little building next door to us. We were a 32-seat cafe back then…” according to Shannon.
Nearly eight years after opening, it was time for a change.
By Jan. 1, 1995, My-Chosen Cafe had relocated to its current building — a more sprawling, 104-seat eatery that includes My-Chosen Pizza and the Sugar Shack, offering an ice creamery, bakery and gift shop all in one.
“Now we’re this huge place,” said Shannon, noting the restaurant employs around 100 people to keep things running smoothly.
“We also have the Critter Corner out back, which draws families to come in. We have donkeys and goats and chickens and an animal viewing area with picnic tables,” she said. “There’s something for everyone here, basically.”
For Shannon, it’s the shared memories with staff and customers that make it all worth it — especially with those who have stuck around since the beginning.
“We’re grateful for them. They’ve been with us since day one, and many of them still come back. Our very first customers are still coming back, all the time,” she added.
“They’ve become family.”
The original My-Chosen Cafe. (My Chosen Cafe/Facebook)
(My Chosen Cafe/Facebook)
(My Chosen Cafe/Facebook)
Ethan Morneau
