HOLUB
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Reneé AndoR Record Staff Carrie Holub took ownership of Comox’s Benino Gelato nearly a year ago, and she couldn’t be more delighted with how well that year has gone. “It was a really good decision,” she says with a smile. “I’m really, really pleased with how it’s gone. I’m thrilled.” Holub has kept many aspects of the business the same, like keeping the same staff — including the business’ previous owner Ruth Vanderlinden — and keeping up the large menu of gelato flavours and espresso drinks. She has also made some changes, like adding more panini sandwich options and homemade soups. The decor has been updated, with wooden chairs refurbished and painted by Holub herself, who holds a degree in visual art, and draws and makes prints in her spare time. Holub notes the most significant change is that the shop is now open year-round; for the past several years Benino Gelato closed each winter. Holub and her family moved to the Valley nearly four years ago from Calgary. When her
Photo by Renee Andor and her husband Brad, (who is a behindthe-scenes co-owner), bought Benino Gelato, Carrie recalls she wanted to make sure their family became a part of the community. “That was one thing that was really important to me; it wasn’t just to come in and build and income off the community, but really be a part of it, really feeling like you’re involved in what’s happening,” says Carrie, as she notes Benino Gelato’s participation in the annual fundraiser Christmas Village, (for local non-profit societies), as
14 Comox by the Sea ◗ winter | Spring 2015
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an example. Buying local is also important to Carrie, who notes Benino Gelato’s authentic Italian biscotti and shortbread comes from a woman in Qualicum, for example, and she tries to source local products where possible. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week, and will lengthen as summer approaches. For more information check out Benino Gelato on Facebook, call 250-3393494 or stop in the shop at 1700 Comox Ave.