Some say there’s no specific recipe a restaurant can follow to make people happy. You just know it when you see it, and we sure see it at The Bench Market, an award winning, go-to breakfast, coffee and lunch spot for locals and visitors.
Behind that indefinable something that sets them apart, there is, however, a very well thought out strategy that makes The Bench Market a success. Owners Heather and Stewart Glynes agree that while local, in-season food and drinks are important, the formula consists of more. It also includes local farmers providing tasty ingredients; strong partnerships with local artisans, consistency in everything from customer service to hours (they are open daily year-round), and of course a fantastic team.
“It’s this great combination that makes the engine run,” says Stewart. “But it all comes back to hiring, training and retaining the right people. We hire people with great attitudes who love working with the public. Our staff is diverse in age, backgrounds and interests – and it just works. We help develop their skills, but also prioritize team-building and recognizing accomplishments.”
The couple’s first outside indicator that their formula was the right one came with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce’s Workplace Culture award in 2014 and has continued with others, including their latest recognition as South Okanagan’s 2016 Best Café / Bistro in the Penticton Western News.
Look for the Okanagan’s bountiful fall produce at The Bench Market, the return of daily soup and additions to the breakfast menu…all served with a smile.
www.thebenchmarket.com
~ Elaine Davidson