A new and unique grocery recently opened its doors to the public in downtown Squamish.
Peak Provisions, located on Second Avenue near the corner of Victoria Street, opened in December 2022. Just about a month into its opening, the store has a little bit of everything.
“You can come and get your groceries for dinner and pick up what you're looking for,” owner Martha McAvity explained. “But you can also meet a friend for a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and have a good lunch.”
The store is open seven days per week and offers a daily happy hour.
Customers can find cheese, deli and other dips and fixings for charcuterie. But there’s also the option for in-store food and drink for those looking to connect with friends or community.
“It was just an opportunity to blend comfort with a little bit of sophistication in the wine list and make it just an inviting and approachable place to hang out and try a new glass of wine and get something that maybe wasn’t offered before,” said McAvity.
McAvity is no stranger to wine as she previously was the wine and beverage director at The Vancouver Club for about 13 years. Since leaving, however, McAvity wanted to offer something unique to the Squamish community “where everyone’s welcome” and it’s comfortable, fun and delicious.
At the very same time, she’s equally felt the warm welcome from the Squamish community.
“It feels so great to be welcomed so openly by the community in Squamish and by the other businesses around town,” she said. “We feel really fortunate that all the business community and the larger community as a whole has taken the time to come in and say hello and introduce themselves.”
“We're just happy that they wanted to, and we're just happy to be here.”
When asked if she has any long-term goals, McAvity joked that she would love to say she had a five-year plan, but the process has always felt more like one step at a time.
“It kind of is evolving every day at a time,” she said.
But, she added that they have the right team in place to tackle any hiccups that may come along.
“There’s really nowhere to hide in this store, so it gives everybody the opportunity to be invested in what they’re doing here.”
For the time being, McAvity’s main focus is not really about the food or wine or even the other offerings, though she soon hopes to add a few more to-go options. Rather, in her eyes, it’s about the atmosphere.
“It’s about comfort and community and quality,” McAvity said. “I think that sort of formula fits most places.”
And with a laugh, she continues, “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to be comfortable.”
To find out more about Peak Provisions, visit their website at PeakProvisionsGrocer.com.
Editor's note: This story is part of The Squamish Chief’s pilot project business beat. This is a journalism piece and therefore, no financial or other benefit came to the paper or reporter to feature the company. To be considered, email [email protected].
