50
Illu s t r a t i o n s : A d o b e S t o c k / B a k ai; A d o b e S t o c k / M a c r o O n e ;
A d o b e S t o c k / Va d i m
B C B U S I N E S S . C A
O C T O B E R
2 0 24
James Iranzad
President, Gooseneck
Hospitality
SMALL BIZ
Mish Mish
LOCATION
Vancouver
"The small business
I'd like to highlight
and celebrate
is a new Middle
Eastern bakery
that's just opened on Fraser
Street named Mish Mish.
Owned by Leah Christ
and Dallah El Chami, also
partners at the brilliant
Superbaba on Main Street,
their warm hospitality
is only matched by their
genuine passion for the
food and beverage they
serve with care and love.
I absolutely love when
hospitality entrepreneurs
channel their heritage
into a contemporary
application, navigating their
way through honouring
tested traditions and taking
risks to bravely fulfill their
own vision and creativity.
Leah and Dallah have done
that at Mish Mish, another
thoughtful addition to its
thriving neighbourhood and
a perfect example of how
astute developers can court
strong retail operators and
present enhanced mixed-
use projects."
Sharon Bond
Owner, Kekuli Cafe; board of directors, Indigenous Tourism BC
SMALL BIZ
House of Himwitsa
LOCATION
Tofino
"During my visit to Tofino, I visited the House of
Himwitsa to check out the authentic Indigenous artwork
and the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, which was truly an authentic
experience. The curation of local art connects me to the stories
of the Nation, and they have the best selection of local gifts in
the store, with everything from jewelry and mugs to blankets.
It's a must-stop location if you ever find yourself in Tofino."
Erin Seeley
CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver
SMALL BIZ
Tayybeh
LOCATION
Vancouver
"Tayybeh is a women-led catering
company with delicious Syrian food and an
incredible story. The founder, Nihal Elwan,
had the vision and determination to start
this social enterprise in 2017 as a pop-up
and has recently opened a restaurant in
Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood.
The business has grown by employing
and empowering newcomer women and
by expanding the menu with amazing
vegan and meat options. The chicken
shawarma wrap is my go-to, along with
the vegan date and sesame cookies. And
the pita chips are
addictive! (Pro tip:
as a busy mom, I
am happy to be
able to order
the pita chips
through other
great local
companies
like Spud and
Fresh
Prep)."
Doug Stephen
Co-owner, DownLow Chicken
Shack, Vennie's Sub Shop,
The Drive Canteen
SMALL BIZ
Moja Coffee
LOCATION
Vancouver
"My current favourite small biz is the
one I visit next; this city has so many
great small businesses that really
are the backbone of the creativity of
the city… but if you're going to paint
me into a corner, I would say that I
love visiting the crew at Moja Coffee.
They've been so accommodating
over the years and the coffee is
outrageously good! They always create
a great environment for us to bring our
son into."
24
25 26
27
24
25 26
27
