John Perks grew up in the food and hospitality industry, watching his father work tirelessly through holidays and special events as he welcomed the community to his restaurants.
After his father sold the restaurants, John carried forward the lessons learned. Alongside his wife, Quinn, they co-founded the , a community initiative designed to strengthen the local food and hospitality industry through collaboration, advocacy and innovative solutions. Together, theyâre driven by their shared passion for supporting the industry that has played such a key role in their lives.
âÂé¶čAV is a chefâs dream; everything is grown local here, and we have incredible talent in the city,â Quinn says, reflecting on the unique opportunities Âé¶čAVâs culinary scene provides.
With tied to hospitality and tourism, the pandemic and rising inflation have heightened challenges for local restaurants. This sparked the inspiration for the Âé¶čAV Foodie Hub. John recalls, âWe saw firsthand the effects of the pandemic on the industry. When we moved to Âé¶čAV, I woke up one morning and said to my wife, âThere has to be something different we can do to support this.ââ This realization led to the creation of BC Food Tours, which eventually expanded into the broader Âé¶čAV Foodie Hub.
Quinn, who was born and raised in Âé¶čAV, brings extensive experience to the table, having worked in various restaurant rolesâfrom hostess at the Old Spaghetti Factory to managing a bakery. She and John originally conceptualized the hub while rediscovering Âé¶čAVâs vibrant food scene upon their return. âWhat surprised me the most was how welcoming the community is. Everyoneâs willing to collaborate and showcase each otherâs businesses,â she says.
The Âé¶čAV Foodie Hub fosters this collaborative spirit by bringing together local restaurant owners, wineries, marketing agencies, and hotels to develop solutions that benefit the entire community. âWe donât claim to have all the answers, but together, letâs come up with solutions,â John explains.
The hub offers free memberships to local businesses, providing access to essential resources like social media support, marketing assistance, and event coordination. In addition to supporting local businesses, the hub organizes community events such as the and RosĂ© All Day, celebrating Okanaganâs rich culinary landscape.
Over time, the Âé¶čAV Foodie Hub has evolved beyond its original culinary tours. What began as a way to guide locals and tourists through Âé¶čAVâs top eateries has transformed into a dynamic platform hosting seasonal events, mystery food tours and community-focused initiatives. âIt fully surpassed my expectations. We started with culinary tours, and now we have these amazing community events,â Quinn says.
As for the future, Quinnâs vision for the hub is clear: âI want Âé¶čAV Foodie Hub to help people get out of their comfort zone and explore local restaurants.â Her aspirations also include expanding the hubâs reach throughout the Okanagan and launching a foundation to support local chefs and restaurants through grants.
Despite the challenges of running a business in a post-pandemic economy, the Âé¶čAV Foodie Hub remains a hub committed to supporting local restaurants. âNever give up,â John says. âWeâre here to help enrich your business, and you donât have to do it alone.â
For those interested in joining the Âé¶čAV Foodie Hub or staying updated on upcoming events, visit . Whether youâre a restaurant owner or a lover of great food, the hub offers a place to connect, collaborate and grow.