BY TERESA BIRD
RiverbendStoreismakingacomebackthisspringwithanodtothepastandnewenthusiasmforthefuture.
Chris Pouget and Alicia Puusepp purchased the store on River Road and have been working on extensive renovations.
“It’s been so organic, it’s like we were meant to have that store,” says Puusepp. “Our vision is a vintage café and general store. Like walking into a general store in the ’40s and ’50s.”
The couple will draw on their extensive collection of vintage décor to showcase the Alberni Valley’s history as well as local talent.
“We want to feature the best and brightest in Port Alberni,” says Puusepp. And that includes local artists and artisans as well as the food offerings, with Wildflower Bakery, Twin City Brewing and other local producers contributing to the café side.
The café will provide light meals including baked goods, soups, salads and sandwiches and frozen yogurt. The general store will carry staples like bread, milk and eggs for those living in the neighbourhood or campers visiting the area.
The couple hopes to open in late spring. In the meantime you can follow their progress on Facebook and online at www.riverbendcafe.ca.
Teresa Bird is the Alberni Valley News publisher. Do you have a business tip for her? E-mail her at publisher@albernivalleynews.com.
