In four years, entrepreneur Mark Brand has built an impressive food and retail empire in, of all places, the Downtown Eastside. Gastown establishments such as The Diamond, Sea Monstr Sushi, Sharks and Hammers and Boneta are popular destinations for locals, hipsters and foodies alike. The renovation of the iconic Save-on-Meats building on Hastings Streetthe subject of a reality series starring Brand and his wife Nicole on Oprah Winfreys OWN networkis Brands latest and most challenging project to date.
As with all his businesses, the Nova Scotia-raised Brand has taken nearly condemned buildings in sketchy areas of town and brought them back to life. He has brought a sense of vibrancy and pride back to a poor neighbourhood he now calls home. In doing so, perhaps accidentally, the 36-year-old Brand, has become a reluctant advocate for the residents of the Downtown Eastside.
His latest initiative is a meal program. Save-on-Meats provides nutritious meals to women living in single room occupancies. Working with Atira Womens Resource Society, Brand serves nearly 500 lunches daily, 365 days a year. His goal is to support 1,000 individuals by the end of the year.
What is the meal program?
Were really proud of this program. Janice Abbott and her group at Atira approached us to provide meals to one of their hotels (The Gastown) as a trial. We worked with their team to find a menu that was both nutritious as well as accessible to the tenants. Kale and chick peas werent popular at first but we worked them in to the menu. After a few months, weve gone from feeding 80 to 480 people across downtown and the Downtown Eastside. Social interaction has improved, 911 calls are down and people are generally feeling better all around.
Why have you become such a champion for the residents of the Downtown Eastside?
Because theyre champions for my team and I love them. Thats a shotgun blast answer. I dont get along with everyone and they dont all get along with me, but thats irrelevant. Ive been living down here for a while and I think we need to be thinking of better ways to work on an inclusive and cohesive community. We need more champions. We need people who are willing to take the initial heat both financially and critically to work towards a solution.
How are things going at Save-on-Meats?
Hard, amazing, encouraging then discouraging and then encouraging again. Its a roller coaster but if anything were relentless. I have the best staff and partners on the planet, no question.
Biggest setback?
Municipal holdups are crippling to small business. Im working directly with staff and council to remedy this and encourage small businesses. They enrich our city and its such an arduous process. It needs to be fixed.
Biggest accomplishment?
Its yet to be achieved.
What does success look like?
Great question.
Whats the most misunderstood thing about the Downtown Eastside?
Everything, so let me just say this. The Downtown Eastside is the most community minded, caring, supportive neighbourhood Ive ever lived in. Everyone says hi to each other, exchanges niceties (sometimes not so nice) and looks out for each other. Its full of love, laughter and struggle.
If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be?
The outside perception of this neighbourhood. Also, that we could break down barriers with key partners; to work towards the greater good here. There are decades of mistrust and anger, mostly justified.
How would you solve the affordable housing issue?
This is a federal issue more than anything. We need to get the Hill to understand the inequalities and gaps between what people can afford and what theyre being provided as assistance. We need a cohesive plan put together locally that our champions (Im looking at you Libby Davies) can bring forth. Its a very volatile situation and one of the single most important in front of us.
Some have called you the King of Gastown. What do you think of that moniker?
Youve obviously been talking to my mom. Cut it out mom. Everyone knows Mike Haggarty, a.k.a. Football Mike, is the King of Gastown. [Haggarty is the restaurant maintenance man Brand hired off the street five years ago.]
Best life lesson youve learned?
Patience.
One lesson youd love to give others?
Work ethic.
One thing you could change about the world?
Can we get a do over?
One thing you cant live without?
My family.
Best place for coffee?
Any JJ Bean. John, Shira and that team are the best.
Favourite restaurant?
Outside of our own, Id have to say Phnom Penh.
Last book read?
Facing Ali by Stephen Brunt.
Favourite sports team?
New York Knicks/Yankees.
Last place travelled?
Los Angeles. I was there for a gig with my longtime friends The Hilltop Hoods. Their DJ was refused entry so I subbed in.
Best thing about the city?
Almost everything.
Worst thing about the city?
The Conservative government hangover.
Your favourite neighbourhood?
Cmon now.
