The re-opening of the once long-lasting butchery on East Hastings as been a topic of excitement. Vancouver entrepreneur and restaurant owner Mark Brand turned to Vancity looking for a loan to hopefully pump life back into the building. Save on Meats is listed as one of the 125 places in [Vancouver] that matter and dubbed “the cornerstone of Gastown.”
Re-opened in 2011, business operations have brought new life to the neighbourhood. Split into 3 floors, the building hosts a walk-up meat counter and restaurant, a food-processing facility (whose doors are open to all local residences training at the the “Potluck Cafe & Catering” across the street), and a food incubator which would “encourage entrepreneurs in the neighbourhood to build upon their ideas.”
Save on Meats is not only a source for excitement and good food, it is also providing vital economic activity to the neighbourhood. Employee’s range in skill levels and discrimination is non-existent; Brand employs an array of individuals from chefs to ex-addicts. The business is a source of cash-flow and life for the neighbourhood. It is fair to say that Save on Meats will have an effect that will carry into other businesses within the area and give the community a much needed economic “boost.”
The re-opening of Save on Meats has proven itself as a success story within the community and has reserved a position as one of Vancouver’s pride.
Web References: http://vancouverisawesome.com/tag/save-on-meats/
http://buildingopportunities.org/blog/index.php/save-on-meats-a-work-in-progress/