Twenty-five years ago Pete Boëda and Barney McKenzie opened the first Bean Around the World in West Vancouver, pretty much marking the birth of great, B.C.-brewed coffee.
Today, besides a couple dozen locations around the Lower Mainland, not much has changed. When it comes to making the perfect cup of joe, these dudes are old school—and we means that in the best way possible. They don’t hop on the Internet and order 50 bags of whatever’s on special from some random wholesaler. No, all the beans at Bean are hand-roasted at the company’s North Shore roastery in old-word, cast-iron coffee roasters, and deemed right for brewing by sight, sound and smell. Talk about artisanal.
We’ll happily raise a mug to that! Congrats, Bean Around the World, on 25 years! —Kate LeGresley & Noa Nichol
What is Pete’s favourite article of clothing? Who is Barney’s role model? Read the answers to these and other need-to-know questions in our exclusive Q&A with the founder of Bean Around the World, below:
Q&A With Barney McKenzie
Where do you live? On the North Shore. I love the ocean and the mountains.
What moves you? Sourcing, roasting and preparing high-quality coffees.
When do you feel most "in your element": When I’m on the water.
What’s your (current) passion (besides coffee)? Standup paddle boarding gets me out on the water where I feel a connection to nature.
First place you take out-of-town visitors: The ATM!
Most magical/breathtaking local experience you’ve had: Orcas swimming under our boat.
Favourite drink: Black coffee.
Favourite meal: Ribeye steak with grilled vegetables.
Favourite cuisine: Italian.
Favourite edible indulgence: Wine.
Favourite non-edible indulgence: Hot tub time.
Favourite/most-worn piece of clothing in your closet: My blue hoodie (so Vancouver!).
Favourite workout (physical): Trail running on the North Shore with my border collie.
Best place to be at 7 a.m.: Making coffee at home.
Best place to be after work: Home.
Best place to be on the weekend: Out on the water.
Best place to be at 1 a.m.: Home in bed.
How you stay healthy: Good healthy diet and drink.
Where’s your "happy place" My hot tub.
Who is your role model? My sons.
What keeps you going (i.e., passionate/motivated)? Working with people.
Person(s) you look up to most: My dog.
Proudest moment so far: We’ve given back to our coffee-producing partners by building a school in Guatemala for the families that work on that coffee farm. This producer-direct buying benefits the farmer, his employees and, our customers receive the best quality coffee for a reasonable price.
Q&A With Pete Boëda
Where do you live? Vancouver. There’s lots of places I’d like to live, but at the moment I’m very happy here.
When do you feel most "in your element"? Being in the outdoors.
What’s your (current) passion (besides coffee)? Woodworking. I love working with my hands and building things.
Favourite drink: Jameson’s on ice.
Favourite meal: Lamb chops and pasta.
Favourite cuisine: That’s a tough one, French and Italian.
Favourite edible indulgence: Pecan pie.
Favourite non-edible indulgence: Being on a beach.
Favourite colour: Plaid!
Favourite/most-worn piece of clothing in your closet: Old-man sweater.
Favourite workout (physical): Playing hockey.
Best place to be at 7 a.m.: In my kitchen having coffee before anyone gets up.
Best place to be after work: At home.
Best place to be on the weekend: Hornby Island.
Best place to be at 1 a.m.: In my bed.
How you stay healthy: Eating and drinking.
Where’s your "happy place"? Watching a hockey game.
Who is your role model? Alfred Peet, coffee guru that started Peet’s coffee in the 1960s.
What keeps you going (i.e., passionate/motivated)? I love what I do.
Proudest moment so far: People loving our coffee.
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