Our Stores: Brentwood Bay

The village of Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula is a destination – home to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, it’s also a gateway to some of the best hiking, kayaking and outdoor recreation on southern Vancouver Island. Tru Value Foods serves both the resident community and the streams of visitors who come to explore this oceanside playground all year round.

While its customer base far exceeds the village borders, Brentwood Bay Tru Value has always maintained a community focus. Through its Spirit Board the store supports many groups in the area, from aboriginal schools, local churches and the Longhouse, to sports programs, seniors’ groups and pow-wows – and that’s just a handful.

For Store Manager Mike Van Giesen, managing the Brentwood store is all about serving a diverse clientele – residents, visitors from nearby towns, and vacationers. Responding to requests for special items, organic produce, and caselot orders is all part of offering service that puts his customers first.

Mike worked on Quadra Island for many years before coming to Brentwood Bay as store manager in 2002. Ask him what he’s proudest of in his six years here, and he’ll tell you it’s creating an atmosphere where employees like coming to work. As does he himself – you’ll often find him working in the aisles alongside his staff, part of the team that makes Tru Value more than just a food store.