Demian Merino has been in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years and, as he says, he’s no spring chicken. So he figured it was his turn to take a kick at the can.
That can was opening his own pub, the Saxe Point Public House, which he did this past summer in Esquimalt.
After first looking at locations in downtown Victoria, he turned his attention to Esquimalt when his Realtor suggested a space in a new development there.
“Esquimalt was never on the radar,” Merino says. “But after doing a little bit of research, and realizing that it would be the only little pub in town, I thought this is the right fit. It’s a great location. It’s right on the corner of Esquimalt Road and Park Place. And it has great window appeal [as well as] a nice little patio in the Library Square.”
He’s also got a growing market to serve. One of Greater Victoria’s biggest highrises, several condo projects and new police and fire stations are all being built in the area. Plus Esquimalt is becoming something of a foodie hub that includes the new, upscale Janevca Kitchen & Lounge at Rosemead House, the award-winning Middle Eastern restaurant Syriana and popular Filipino hotspot Benjamin’s Cafe.
“There’s a lot going on,” he says. “So I’m fortunate to get in on the ground level.”
When Merino first saw the location, a 10-minute walk from Saxe Point, it was a bare room with a junction box for the electrical and pretty well nothing else. Local artisans — several of whom were about to retire but were up for one more project — helped build the bar and install the lighting and upholstery.
“A lot of family and a lot of good people helped me get to where I am today,” says Merino. He also credits the City of Esquimalt. “They’ve been just so helpful and accommodating. They really wanted something local [in the spot] and run by a local operator.” That local flavour extends to the beer and spirits selection as well as executive chef Leon McIntyre’s elevated pub menu.
“It’s going great,” Merino adds. “The support from the community has been amazing. Everybody’s been loving it, and telling us that they’re so happy that we’re here in the neighbourhood.”
