New Westminster, BC – Two favourite faces from New Westminster’s local food scene are re-emerging to join in the expanding community activation at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces.
Guy Dubé of Coming Home Café is taking a new role coordinating 2SLGBTQI+ social and creative programs as Coming Home Program Director. The welcoming and inclusive space that was Coming Home, formerly on Sixth Street will reemerge at Eight & Eight Creative Spaces. Guy will also be lending his knowledge and experience in the food industry to the emerging Food and Beverage Program.
Christopher McFadden, who enjoyed a long career in the Metro Vancouver restaurant industry, including New Westminster favourite Piva Modern Italian, has been helping establish Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces’ innovative approaches to service at performances as well as future special events and catering.
“Working with Christopher and Guy has been a wonderful experience as we explore the ways this Food and Beverage program will align with our values as an organization,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director, Massey Theatre, “These two have different but complimentary approaches with many established relationships to draw on. I’ve long admired Guy as a community inclusion champion, and having him as part of the programming team has been incredibly enriching and fabulous.”
Guy Dubé -Coming Home Program Director
A fixture of the New Westminster as a loved restauranteur and champion of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, Guy Dubé returns to Uptown New Westminster as the Coming Home Program Director. Guy opened Coming Home Café in Uptown New West in 2005 and operated it until its closing in 2022. He was the inaugural president of New West (then Royal City) Pride and was the host and producer of Quarantine Kitchen, a delightful respite and place of connection during the height of the pandemic. Guy will be working with the team to create welcoming and delightful food experiences that kick ass.
Christopher McFadden- Food and Beverage Program Coordinator
With over 20 years within the Canadian Restaurant industry, Christopher brings his years of relationship building with teams and guests to the table. After training with the International Sommelier Guild, Christopher worked with many restaurants across Canada including Biff’s French Bistro in Toronto, The Belvedere in Calgary, Hy’s of Canada Steakhouses and the Glowbal Restaurant Group in Vancouver and here in New Westminster at Piva Modern Italian as General Manager & Wine Director. With his newly created company The McFadden Group, he’s working with hospitality businesses like Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces to bring innovative food and beverage programs to light. He is incredibly happy to be working with the team at Massey Theatre and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces to deliver a food program for the community to appreciate and enjoy.
The Food and Beverage program recently launched with an innovative pre-order system offering Massey Theatre audiences the opportunity to order their pre-show and intermission refreshments and treats in advance of the show. The Menu includes local baked goods and treats from artisanal food creators like Yum Donuts, Le Chalet Pâtisserie, MacShack Cookiery, Trove Desserts, Big Star Sandwich and more. Also planned is a curated BC Beer, Wine and Cocktail menu and special events where tastings and cultural activities will be combined.
Coming Home will be coming out over the next few weeks with social and creative programs for the 2SLGBTQI+ community with Dubé steering the activities. The first event is on April 19th with the Rainbow Connections Café. Rainbow Connections Café will happen every Wednesday from 3 pm – 8 pm for coffee, conversations, dreaming and community building.
“We know this community faces many barriers. We hope that this program will fill some of the needs for collective and individual wellbeing for our community members.” said Schneider.
Massey Theatre Society is currently fundraising to build the Community Kitchen that will support the Food and Beverage program and allow for greater community activation, connection and creation. The Society currently has some equipment in place and has a goal of raising $30,000.00 to cover design, construction, installation and implementation. For more information, please contact the Massey Theatre.
About Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces comprises over 57,000 square feet of dynamic and creative spaces in the Massey Theatre Arts Complex which includes the Massey Theatre, Plaskett Gallery, multipurpose studios including a performance studio and dance studio and digital labs. The expanded spaces at the Massey Theatre Complex and operated by Massey Theatre Society aim to offer artists and community a facility as well as resources and support for their work, creating new and inclusive opportunities for artistic creation, presentation, development, community engagement, wellness practices, and workshopping.
About Massey Theatre Society
The Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia’s largest theatre, at the time, with 1,260 seats. Since then, its lights have shone on thousands of performances and has become a cherished space to experience the arts. The Massey hosts large scale musicals, international music and dance performances, symphonies, choirs, ballets and more. With a commitment to the cultural life of the community, it supports programs for emerging artists and community groups as well as new creation and production residencies. The theatre is a key gathering place with over 100,000 visitors and hosting over 200 events/performances each year. The Massey Theatre Society is a catalyst for a vibrant, expressive community and a stage where any dream is possible.
Media Contact
Erin Jeffery
Director, Marketing and Communications, Massey Theatre
erin@masseytheatre.com | 604.517.5900
