Two Oak Bay entrepreneurs marked the end of a coffee-fuelled business venture this week.
On Tuesday, March 25, just under 100 people visited The Allenby Coffee Bar on Foul Bay Road to bid farewell to the shop’s co-owners Sam Marsman and Erin Hervieux, who, for four years, have kept locals well-fed and caffeinated.
“I was not anticipating all these people coming through the doors today,” said Marsman, who added that the partners sold the business to new owners earlier this year. “I can honestly say that that's been quite heartfelt by me – the amount of people coming through and the amount of hugs that have gone on today.”
Online, many shared their thoughts about the shop's change in ownership.
"Will miss seeing your lovely faces and enjoying your delicious coffee and treats," said one Instagram user. "Thanks, Sam and crew, for everything, and I look forward to hearing what you get up to next."
Marsman and Hervieux started in the coffee industry years ago, when the friends of over 35 years managed another Greater Victoria coffee shop together. Eventually, they decided to embark on their own latte-foaming adventure – one they had been dreaming about for three decades.
The pair opened the cafe in 2021, when businesses worldwide struggled to stay open amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, however, they were able to keep their dream afloat.
“We were nervous, then we got really concerned,” said Marsman. “The struggles and the challenges were overcome by adaptability."
As loyal customers began to frequent the shop more and more, their hard work paid off. A roster of regulars soon formed, and groups, from lawn bowling and knitting clubs to cycling and running crews, began to gather there with regularity.
These folks are what kept Marsman coming back day after day.
“Anybody running a business is going to tell you about the work involved, but the benefits are seeing the same people coming through and getting to know them, having personal relationships with them,” she said. “It's been wonderful.”
Learning the art of business ownership also thrilled her.
“I just basically put myself through four years of university,” added Marsman. “I have felt it has been an amazing opportunity for knowledge.”
Eventually, however, the co-owner decided to hang up her apron after realizing she was ready for a fresh challenge.
“I'm just ready to do something new and try some new things,” she said. “I was waiting to get the business to a place where the community had been built, and people were comfortable and trusting in the environment and ... can pass it on to somebody who wants to continue that."
Marsman explained she might like to go back to school, but while deciding on her next steps, she has plenty to keep her busy. A trained home-support worker, she looks after a 25-year-old with diverse abilities. As for Hervieux, she has her other business, Mayflower Frozen Foods, to keep her occupied.
Brown paper now hangs in the shop’s windows, leaving a gap and locked doors between Hot House Pizza and Buttons N' Bows Haberdashery. Until the new owners open the cafe again, locals will have to look farther afield for their coffee fix. While Marsman does not have exact dates, she said they hope to open up "as soon as they can."
“I'm really excited for the new people to come in because they will be able to experience the coffee culture established here at The Allenby,” said Marsman. “It really has been an adventure of a lifetime."
