Bailey’s in the Village has been a fixture in downtown Qualicum Beach for more than a quarter century, but that will soon change.
Cindy Thomson and Len Thomson plan to sell the business and retire after owning and operating the restaurant for 14 years.
Both are 70, and Len said that although it's sad to go, age is starting to catch up with him. He recently went in for a knee replacement. A local business will take over the location, according to the owners.
“I thought it could buy a little more time but now the other knee’s acting up. The body’s telling me it’s time to slow down my pace a little bit,” he said. “We’re very thankful that somebody is buying Bailey’s there, and they are locals."
Len said the Town of Qualicum Beach has been "unbelievable" and that it's been a pleasure to run a business in town.
"We’re gonna miss that on a daily basis when we finally retire," he said. "But then we can come around and have some coffee once in a while.”
He and Cindy will have plenty to keep them busy in retirement, as they plan to visit children in the interior of B.C. and the U.S. Len also mentioned he wants to spend time with his parents, who are in their 90s.
“There’s lots to do, our retirement is going to be still full,” he added. “I’ll always be doing something, but I won’t be going to a job, a part-time or a full-time job."
Len, who used to own an auto body shop as a younger man, plans to finish up two '68 Mustangs he has in his garage. He is a founder of the Seaside Cruizers' Father's Day Car Show, which was started in 1993.
He said he is proud of how much the show has grown in the past 30 or so years. “The first year I think we only had 86 cars.”
Another highlight from over the years was when the TV series Chesapeake Shores filmed outside the restaurant and the nearby park by Town Hall. It was exciting for the Thomsons to see Bailey’s on TV.
The Thomsons are the business's third owners. The restaurant was started by Faye McKnight in the late 90s.
The restaurant's last day of business as Bailey's in the Village will be Feb. 27.