4 minute read
GOODCO. BARS
Providing Good Times for Good People
Walk east along Steveston’s boardwalk, and you will see customers having a good time inside and outside GoodCo. Bars, where a picturesque view of the Fraser River and Shady Island is part of the experience. GoodCo. is one of the recent additions to Steveston’s busy restaurant scene; the chain specializes in providing good times for good people.
The first location opened in Kitsilano; the company now operates four additional restaurants, including Main Street, Granville Street (the largest space at over 15,000 square feet), Northwoods (North Vancouver), and Steveston’s prime waterfront location which opened last summer.
GoodCo.’s mission is to provide a home away from home where drinks flow, great food is served, the music is on point, and the game is always on.
GoodCo. operates as a restaurant with a bar atmosphere. It attracts all ages and walks of life, including families, friends, and coworkers, who gather to enjoy brunch, casual lunch on the patio, happy hour, an evening meal, or a night out to watch a game on the big screen. The large restaurant seats 100 guests indoors with 75 seats on the patio.
Ximena Zapata is the new general manager of Steveston’s GoodCo.; she came on board this past March. The assistant manager has been with the business since it opened. A team of 35 staff work alongside them. Many are seasonal, and most have been with the restaurant since it opened.
“When the owners first came to Steveston to scout properties, they were inspired by the view and the incredibly close-knit community. There was no way to pass an opportunity to have a restaurant/bar along the river. It is a privilege to work every day with such an amazing view and equally amazing guests,” says Ximena.
She adds, “We are still a young restaurant, working every day to become our best. Our end goal will take time. We appreciate all the support. Steveston is a seasonal location, and we wouldn’t be able to get by without the locals.”
Stevestonites have told us that this restaurant concept was needed and has brought extra life to the area.
Ximena mentions, “GoodCo. is best known for its prime location and affordable prices. We have a large happy hour food menu and great priced drinks.”
“Every day of the week, a different special is offered, including Tapped Out Tuesdays ($4 draft beer and Jameson highballs that beat inflation and your thirst), and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We currently have trivia on Mondays. My assistant manager and I have plans to bring on more community events this fall. We would like to bring paint nights, live music, movie nights and more,” she says.
When dining in Steveston, it is hard to resist seafood. Some of GoodCo.’s most popular dishes include Pacific cod tacos and fish and chips. The made-in-house smash burgers are also hot sellers. Brunch has been steadily increasing, and diners are drawn to the CB Benedict, the California Benedict, and the hearty Stadium breakfast bowl.
Four flavours of margaritas usually clean the bar out of lime juice.
The restaurant takes pride in being able to support many breweries, particularly local ones. The bar has 14 permanent taps featuring Strathcona, Philips Brewing and Molson. They also have six rotating taps; the concept is to try different beer you usually don’t find elsewhere and support local brewers throughout Metro Vancouver.
If you are looking to host a large event GoodCo. offers a variety of buyouts or large reservations for up to 25 people. The event coordinator organizes larger groups and supplies information regarding purchasing the entire space or a smaller section in the back of the restaurant.
Ximena says, “GoodCo. understands that Steveston is a very close community, and we depend on local support. We are taking the initiative to give back and listen to our patrons’ needs. We are constantly learning about our demographic and the unique history of Steveston. Going into the fall, you will hopefully see our name more often in community events. Our goal is to become a staple within Steveston.”
Written by Sarah Gordon. (August 2023) PALLA MEDIA
