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Business notes: Phat Bastard Eats food truck relocates to downtown Duncan

The latest from the Cowichan business community
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Lucien Otte-Zimmerman is the owner of Phat Bastards Eats food truck, which recently relocated to the parking lot at 130 Trans-Canada Hwy. in Duncan, behind The Original Farm location close to the Silver Bridge. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

Looking for a juicy, mouthwatering burger that stands out from the crowd?

Check out the Phat Bastard Eats food truck that has recently relocated to the parking lot at 130 Trans-Canada Hwy. in Duncan, behind The Original Farm location close to the Silver Bridge.

The food truck had been set up at a site off of Allenby Road for the past six months, and it was attracting a large following while there, but changing circumstances and the desire to find a more visible location for the burgeoning business led to it being set up at its new location for the first time this week.

The food truck is owned by Lucien Otte-Zimmerman, a young entrepreneur who spent six months before he opened Phat Bastard Eats perfecting his hamburger-making style, and he ensures all of his burgers are made with fresh ingredients.

Mike Zimmerman, Lucien’s father, takes orders and deal with customers while his son keeps his head down and concentrates on his cooking at his busy eatery, which serves such creative burger delights as Breakfast Bastard Burger, Bastard Bacon Bomb Burger and Phatty Melt Burger.

“This is turning out to be a really great location,” Mike said while taking orders.

“Tuesdays are usually slow, but we had double the sales this Tuesday than we typically had at our old location.”

As for the name, Mike said it was chosen simply because it stands out and people won’t likely forget it.

“It’s outrageous and we know people would wonder about it and want to visit the food truck,” he said.

Phat Bastard Eats is open from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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The future of B.C.’s construction industry will be the subject of a dinner meeting on April 23, hosted by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and Scotiabank.

Brad Chicknita, from Canada Guaranty, and Kerriann Coady, from the Canadian Home Builders Association Vancouver Island, will cover everything from the complexities of project financing and insurance to the latest trends and challenges in B.C.’s residential construction scene.

“The evening kicks off with a networking session, giving you the perfect platform to connect with like-minded professionals and explore potential partnerships,” the chamber said in a newsletter.

“Don’t miss this chance to fuel your professional growth and contribute to the vibrant future of construction in our province.”

The dinner meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Cowichan Golf Club, located at 4955 Trans-Canada Hwy.

Tickets are $40 each plus GST, and they can bought by calling 250-748-1111, registering online, or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.

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Kickstart your day on April 5 with a jolt of energy and insight at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce’s Morning Member Meetup at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre.

The chamber will be brewing up a potent mix of coffee and social media savvy, starting at 8 a.m. sharp.

Guided by the expertise of the “Chamber Guys”, dive deep into the world of Instagram and Facebook, learning to make your business shine online.

Don’t forget to bring your phone, loaded with photos and videos, to make the most of this interactive session.

“We’ll also take a closer look at the Member Information Portal to highlight the valuable benefits awaiting our members,” the chamber said.

“All this, plus the chance to enjoy exquisite coffee and treats provided by Kubera Payments. Prepare for a morning of great coffee and breakfast treats, and also valuable insights into social media marketing. Bring your energy, your phone, and your networking spirit. Let’s caffeinate our way to digital excellence together.

You can register online for this free event, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.

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In other chamber news, the Scotiabank Women Initiative will host a chamber Mix & Mingle on April 10 at the Scotiabank located at 435 Trunk Rd., beginning at 5:30 p.m..

Get ready for an evening where girl power meets the business world in this upbeat session of networking, learning, and fun.

Absorb the knowledge from Naomi Gray and the stellar Scotiabank team, who are all about uplifting women in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Dive into financing for women entrepreneurs with Kelly Masson and walk away with actionable advice to skyrocket your business.

Bring your business partner or a friend, mingle with fabulous women entrepreneurs, and expand your circle in a lively and supportive atmosphere.

Savour tasty appetizers and refreshments, and don’t miss the chance to win a gorgeous gift basket.

The event is free for women chamber members and their guests.

Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.

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BlueShore Financial and Coastal Community Credit Union have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a merger to form a combined credit union serving British Columbia’s West Coast and Vancouver Island communities.

The two credit unions have been serving their respective West Coast and Vancouver Island communities for more than 75 years, with a focus on improving the financial wellness of their members and communities.

Together, they would create one of the largest credit unions in British Columbia, with 118,000 members, 36 branches, more than 800 employees and close to $12 billion in assets under administration.

The combination will leverage the combined strengths, expertise and geographic diversity of both credit unions to provide members with expanded products and services, enhanced mobility and convenience, greater digital innovation and increased access across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island communities.

“Coastal Community and BlueShore Financial have exceptional strengths and offerings and deep roots in the communities we serve across the West Coast and Vancouver Island,” said Dominique Roelants, chair of Coastal Community.

“Through this potential combination, we will build a more resilient, purpose-driven credit union that’s dedicated to creating sustainable benefits for our communities now and for future generations.”