Built on Honesty, Fueled by Community
Our History & Craft
In the Cowichan Valley, we believe a great time starts with honest foundations—honest food, honest beer, and an authentic place to gather. Our story began not with a business plan, but with the sheer grit and vision of two founders, Liz and Lance, who simply wanted to build social hubs that cared deeply about their community. Today, 30 years later, that commitment is stronger than ever.
Our businesses were not built by contractors, hey were built by a community. From remodelling parties fueled by a pop machine secretly dispensing beer, to driving daily to Lake Cowichan to renovate the bar by hand, every location is infused with the spirit of friendship and dedication
It’s why we care so deeply about our regulars. We are the company that invites people to come have a beer after work, funds community teams, and has an owner who, knowing it was time for fun, would call people out onto the street to join the party. This is our legacy: building high-quality, approachable hubs dedicated to the liveliness of our community.
Just Jakes
The Original Hub
Our first location, Just Jake’s, was founded in downtown Duncan by Liz and Lance. The name represents our core culture: deep honesty and unwavering authenticity. It quickly became the neighborhood’s gathering place, built on handshake deals and community support from local mentors. It was the place where owners knew their customers’ stories by heart, fostering the kind of personable, family-run atmosphere that is now a defining feature of every space we open.
The Craft Movement
In 2005, driven by a vision to revitalize historic Craig Street and bring a new level of social excitement to Duncan, we launched Craig Street Brew Pub. This was not just an expansion; it was a movement. We were the valley’s first brewery, and the project was fueled by the same spirit that built the original location: grit and community fun.
We literally kicked down walls, uncovering hidden architectural gems, and creating a space where the architecture—like the stunning in-house brewery—is as much of an attraction as the beer itself. We are proud to have stewarded the craft beer scene in the entire valley ever since.
Hubs for EVERY Moment
Today, led by the same founders we continue to expand that legacy. From the original honesty of Just Jake’s to the community service mission of revitalize the Oak Taphouse , our goal remains the same: to be the premier, high-quality, approachable hub for fun and liveliness in every area we serve.
A Look Back
OVER THE YEARS
