Frederico’s journey from the Philippines to Richmond, BC, is a story of family, resilience, and the power of food to bring people together. After a challenging move and a year spent preparing for a new life, he and his wife launched a humble barbecue sandwich venture at a weekend market - what began as a side hustle evolved into Smokehouse Sandwich Co., opened in 2013. Rooted in simplicity and community, the shop reflects Frederico’s belief that food isn’t just nourishment - it’s connection. Today, Smokehouse continues to serve more than sandwiches; it serves stories, moments, and the quiet joy of a life well-lived.

Fred’s journey from student to chef began in a Coquitlam kitchen, where he learned Italian cuisine from two women who taught him more than recipes - they taught him resilience. After a chance encounter with the restaurant’s owner, he stepped into the kitchen, eventually opening his first restaurant, Mr. Cappuccino. With a government small business loan and a deep connection to his community, Fred built a legacy rooted in authenticity, hard work, and giving back. Today, his story stands as a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the simple belief that everyone deserves a chance to rise.

Elsa’s El Comal is more than a tortilla shop - it’s a story of resilience, migration, and tradition. Born in Mexico and now rooted in Burnaby, Elsa turned her passion for authentic corn tortillas into a thriving legacy. From a small machine in a humble deli to three bustling warehouses, her journey reflects the heart of a community and the enduring spirit of a woman who built a life - one tortilla at a time.

Cristina’s journey from Rio de Janeiro to Vancouver is rooted in family, coffee, and connection. Inspired by her family’s 130-year coffee legacy in Brazil and her cousin’s roasting passion, she launched Mogiana Coffee in 2008 to share the rich flavors of her homeland with Canada. Now a cornerstone of Vancouver’s coffee scene, Mogiana bridges cultures through ethically sourced beans, available online and at local markets. More than a business, it’s a tribute to heritage, resilience, and the warmth of a shared cup.

Chris reflects on his roots in Victoria, his family’s Mennonite heritage, and his life in Vancouver, shaped by a deep connection to community, family, and global service. From working with student refugees in Kenya to advocating for immigrant integration and affordable housing, Chris embodies a hopeful, pragmatic vision for a more inclusive Lower Mainland. His story is one of resilience, belonging, and the quiet power of staying put - because home isn’t just a place, it’s a promise.

Cecilia’s story weaves together ancestral roots in ancient China, the upheaval of historical upheaval, and a life shaped by migration across continents. Born in China and raised in Singapore, her journey took her to the UK for undergrad and later to Canada for her master’s at UBC. Tracing her lineage back to the revered Langya Wang family of the Qin Dynasty, Cecilia carries a deep connection to heritage, resilience, and identity. Reflecting on home not as a place, but as a practice of inner equilibrium, she finds belonging in the quiet strength of self-awareness and in communities that honor shared histories and free expression. Her experience in Vancouver, marked by the enduring symbol of the Goddess of Democracy, speaks to a profound appreciation for truth, voice, and the quiet dignity of living freely.

Caroline’s journey from Hong Kong to Vancouver, through Beijing and Myanmar, is a story of cultural discovery, resilience, and connection. From embracing the chaos of learning Mandarin to finding harmony in the bagpipes, her life embodies the beauty of crossing borders - linguistic, cultural, and personal. A testament to growth through mistakes, Caroline’s story reminds us that belonging isn’t about where you start, but how you listen, adapt, and play the tune of life.

In Vancouver’s West End, Cha Li 茶里 is more than a teahouse - it’s a space where tea, tradition, and connection come together. Founded by Ivon in 2019, it began as a quiet refuge for friends and has grown into a cultural hub where tea becomes a bridge between worlds. Rooted in a Yunnan tea garden and shaped by shared stories, Cha Li offers more than flavor - it invites presence, trust, and belonging, one cup at a time.

Saba Foods, a heartfelt tribute to Yemeni cuisine, brings the bold flavors of home to Vancouver. After six moves and countless challenges, founder Al and partner Husam have created a space where generosity, hospitality, and tradition meet on every plate. From rich lamb haneeth to shared stories over meals, Saba Foods isn’t just a restaurant - it’s a home away from home.