Eight years ago, we were all a little worried. The Fanny Bay Inn was changing ownership. The FBI is a local institution with a far-flung reputation. When we were still living in Seattle, we would tell people that we were moving to a tiny community called Fanny Bay on Vancouver Island. It was amazing the number of people who said, “isn’t that where that cool pub is?” Mainland golfers on their way to a weekend at Crowne Isle would stop in for a meal. Bikers, both bicycle and motorcycle, would plan their island touring around a stop at the FBI. So, a new owner was worrisome. Would they change the vibe? Would it still be a community hangout?
As we now know, we needn’t have worried. Indeed, Roxanne, the new owner, breathed new life into the historic pub. After a few years of slow decline prior to her arrival, she made it a warm, fun place to go again, not just a place to eat. Amazingly, she kept it going through the unknowns of COVID. She hung on while the old highway was shut down for the summer and tourist traffic plummeted. She cooked when she couldn’t find a cook and washed dishes when she couldn’t find a dishwasher. And she always found time to come out of the kitchen and exchange friendly insults with the regulars. Roxanne herself was the biggest attraction.
There are plenty of other reasons, besides Roxanne’s personality, that the FBI has been the place to go in Fanny Bay. Music Jams, Trivia Night, Karaoke, and, of course, the Toonie Draw. All the local non-profits have benefited from Roxanne’s Toonie Draw. BWS has been fortunate to have been chosen three times. And I must say, it’s quite entertaining to be sitting at a table, nursing a beer with a fellow BWS member when Roxanne comes over and starts plunking down hundred-dollar bills with all the panache of a Vegas card dealer. People sneak surreptitious peeks. Some stare outright. I can only imagine what stories they concoct to explain this showy transfer of bills. But for BWS, no matter the style of delivery, it’s a huge boost to our budget and is greatly appreciated.
So now, eight years later, we’re worrying about the FBI again. Roxanne is leaving. She assures us the pub will be in good hands and the new owner will fit right in. Maybe that’s true, but it won’t be the same without Roxanne. We wish her the best in retirement, she’s certainly earned it! And hopefully she’ll stop in when she’s in town and join us for a beer in her old community with its famous pub.