New owners of Caribou U-Brew, Bobbi and Owen Krist are very excited to continue the company’s tradition of customer service and satisfaction in the lakecity.
After 23 years of running the business, former owners Silvio and Nicole Aumond are retiring and have sold to the Krist family who have been loyal patrons through the past few years.
The Aumonds and worker Alyse Grant have been busy showing the new owners the ins and outs of running the business since they officially took over on June 15.
“We were looking for a change and thought we’d try something different and take on a unique challenge,” said Owen.
“Silvio, Nicole and Alyse have been great and made the transition very smooth for us.”
The Krists are planning on doing a wine tasting some time in September as a grand opening celebration.
Silvio started Caribou U-Brew back in 1982 in a small building near the Comer Station Pub and after six years there he relocated to its current location at 225 Barnard St. where it’s been operating the past 17 years.
“Silvio had a loyal base of customers and the only thing that is really changing is the face behind the counter,” mentions Owen.
“If there’s anything we will do it will likely be very minor.”
Owen is originally from the Lower Mainland but came to the Cariboo six years ago when he met his wife Bobbi who lived in the lakecity.
He has really enjoyed the lifestyle here in Williams Lake.
“It’s been a nice change of pace and I spend a lot of time outdoors camping or fishing and enjoying all the Cariboo has to offer,” said Owen.
Caribou U-Brew offers a variety of beverages including beer, wine, coolers and ciders.
For a typical batch of wine that yields approximately 30, 750 millilitre bottles customers can pay anywhere from $110 to $205.
Owen encourages all people who have never tried brewing their own alcohol to drop by and try it out.
Home brewing offers customers not only a huge savings in comparison to buying alcohol from a liquor store but also gives customers an intrinsic value and people find the creative process rewarding.
It’s a beer or wine that you design and create with your two hands which makes it not just any beer and many find this both challenging and rewarding.
During this current heat wave the business has seen a spike in business and Owen notes with the hot summer weather people increase their consumption.
“There’s definitely a higher demand of everything in the summer. We’ve found Williams Lake is very much a wine town,” said Owen.
“I personally am a fan of the bold red wines.”
Caribou U-Brew offers monthly specials and you can keep up with them on facebook or call 250 392-BREW (2739) for information.