The notable pairing looks to spread its offerings from mustards and jams to delectable pies.
VICTORIA – One of Victoria Public Market’s longstanding pie havens has found a new proprietor. Thankfully, for pie aficionados, the beloved pies aren’t going anywhere.
Two Crows Craft Foods, a brand celebrated for its gourmet and wholesale mustards, spreads, compotes, and jams, has confirmed its acquisition of the renowned Victoria Pie Company. The idea is to assimilate both ventures into a singular brand, says Marie Takahashi, the owner of Two Crows Craft Foods. She co-founded Two Crows alongside her son in 2021.
“Our vision with Two Crows has always leaned towards owning a dedicated kitchen space,” Takahashi remarked. As luck would have it, her aspirations matched perfectly with an online post she chanced upon. Robyn Larocque, the brains behind Victoria Pie Company and a partner at Parachute Ice Cream, was the individual looking to trade her enterprise for a food truck venture.
Following discussions since June, the doors of the merged entity are set to open on Tuesday, September 19th, at the former site of Victoria Pie Co. at the Victoria Public Market. They are on the lookout for dedicated individuals to join their team. “We’re fortunate to retain Victoria, a key member from the previous Victoria Pie team,” Takahashi expressed. “Now, we’re on the hunt for a few more to ensure the pie operations run seamlessly.”
Previously operating from a communal kitchen at Brentwood Bay’s Beauregard Commons for a couple of years, this move signifies a strategic leap for Two Crows Craft Foods. Sharing space with Sidney Scones and Bicycle Pizza, the relocation to Victoria Public Market will streamline their production and enhance their innovative capabilities.
The objective with Two Crows is to evolve into a craft market space where producers from the Vancouver Island region, and even its staff, can showcase their unique products and culinary innovations.
With regards to incorporating the recipes of Victoria Pie Company, there will be mild tweaks. “We aim to introduce a bit more spice, specifically the likes of ginger, cinnamon, and all-spice, to some of the fruit pies,” said Takahashi. However, she ensures that classics like the chicken pot pie or tortilla pie will remain untouched.
In the future, once operations stabilize, Takahashi is eager to introduce “guest pies” from local chefs, with profits intended for charitable entities such as Esquimalt’s Rainbow Kitchen.
For Two Crows Craft Foods and Takahashi, it’s all about “spreading the love”, and this latest venture seems to be the perfect recipe.
Two Crows Craft Foods – Grand Opening
- Location: Victoria Public Market
- Date: Sunday, September 17
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