Step inside Penticton’s The Bench Market for great food, coffee, ambiance and local artisan retail goods. You’ll also discover a strong sense of community that is apparent right from its location within a residential neighbourhood, to its friendly atmosphere and the local artwork adorning its walls.
Stewart and Heather Glynes are the owners of this cozy and eclectic spot, and they also offer much-needed assistance to local charities. From January through April they donate one dollar to a local charity for every soup-and-half-sandwich combo they sell. January’s benefactor was the Penticton Soupateria; February’s was the Penticton Boys and Girls Club. March’s donation will go to the South Okanagan Victims Assistance Society (SOVAS) and in April, they will donate to the Salvation Army Food Bank.
In addition, the Glynes were recently involved with February’s BC Winter Games as a gold-level supporter. Being able to sponsor a grassroots event like the BC Winter Games was a perfect fit for them and a full-circle moment for Stewart. He won the curling Gold medal at the 1990 BC Winter Games – the last time they were held in Penticton – and through their support for the 2016 games, Stewart presented the curling medals. The Bench Market provided local retail gift baskets which were given to various other supporters of the Games, as a way to take a delicious piece of Penticton home with them.
The Bench Market is open daily until 5:00 pm. Look for the 2016 opening of their large, sunny patio in April.
~ Deanna Rainey