The vision behind Outbound Station is a relatively simple one.
“We are potentially the first stop [on] somebody's dream vacation,” said Jeffrey Edward, owner of the new burger restaurant and café. “We're potentially that first interaction and we really want to make that a super positive one.”
The burger shop and cafe recently opened up on the side of the Sea to Sky Highway — near where the old location for Galileo Coffee Company used to be — in Britannia Beach.
The black and wood-coloured buildings shone on a sunny Friday afternoon, as many highway travellers stopped in for a quick caffeine pick-me-up or sat in the sun and enjoyed a smash burger and a side of fries.
For Edward and his life partner Jordyn Ferreira, the idea to open the shop has been a long time coming. Edward explained they started the process for Outbound Station about three years ago and Ferreira added that the idea stemmed, in part, from a burger stop in Ontario they have heard about.
“It’s a pull-off on the side of the highway,” Ferreira said of the stop. “And it’s just this place to go. It’s the place for all the commuters to stop and just start their weekend or their day.”
“It’s a tradition,” she explained. “And saw the opportunity to do something very similar.”
With that in mind, Outbound Station boasts a takeout window for burgers and fries from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. The café serves a variety of coffees, teas and treats for takeout for the early morning traveller from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Numerous picnic tables are outside for those who are looking to stop, stretch their legs and enjoy the scenery as well as a washroom for those in need.
For Edward, opening a small business is a bit of a dream come true.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to have a small business,” he said. “All the way through high school and everything my goal was I need to buy a property as soon as I can because that’ll be the ticket to then be able to leverage that for a small business.”
Ferreira, who found her niche in advertising and graphic design, said she enjoys the variety that comes with being the co-manager of the restaurant and café.
“This kind of became almost the best piece of work in the graphic design and advertising world I’ve done,” she said.
But that’s not to say the process of starting the business was easy.
“I don't think either of us expected the speed bumps that we had to get over,” said Ferreira. “It’s kind of like a roller coaster.”
As an example, Edward said one of the hydro poles was in the way of the build, which they wound up moving.
“We didn’t even know we could move hydro poles,” he said, making Ferreira laugh.
“We've definitely had our challenges that we've had to work through,” said Ferreira. “But they've ultimately been rewarding.”
Both Edward and Ferreira said there’s no way they could have done it without the support of friends and family, many of which helped out along the way. Additionally, they said the team at Outbound Station has been a tremendous help with getting everything going from the start.
Equally so, they’ve already felt the warm welcome from Britannia Beach and Squamish community and businesses.
“Everyone has been so welcoming, so friendly,” said Ferreira.
While Edward explained a few long-term goals including the possibility of other locations, at this time, running like a “well-oiled machine” is most important. And, as the weather gets nicer, both Squamish and Britannia Beach residents can look forward to a grand opening celebration, said Ferreira.
For now, however, both are just trying to soak it all in at the end of each day.
“We’ll go and stand or drive to the corner before heading home and just look over it all and just try to take a moment,” said Edward.
“It’s excitement, it’s nerves, it’s stressful,” described Ferreira about the opening. “But it’s ultimately just amazing.”
For more information about Outbound Station, visit OutboundStation.com.
**Please note, this story has been corrected since it was first posted to clarify that Jeffrey Edward is the owner of Outbound Station. Jordyn Ferreira is the co-manager. The original story said they were co-owners. The Squamish Chief apologizes for the error.
