Birchwood Coffee Ko got its name for a reason Just take it from co-owner Patrick Scott.
“If you knew Tlicho, you would know 'ko' means home,” Scott explained. “So we wanted to create a space that was welcoming and home-like for our customers, our clients. And I think we achieved that.”
After eight years of making that space a reality, the 49 Street location will close its doors to customers on June 14.
Scott said it's been an idea he's been thinking about since the start of the year and it's happening for a number of reasons.
“One of them was staffing challenges,” Scott said, adding that his daughter and co-owner, Jawah Scott, had a baby this year and Scott himself is dealing with his own health issues. “We just decided it was an opportune time to say 'Let's move on to other things and see what's around the corner'.”
Whether Birchwood has something special planned for its last day, Scott said he hasn't thought that far ahead.
“We're sort of taking it one day at a time right now,” he chuckled.
As for the reactions to Birchwood's closing, they've been incredible, added Scott.
“I'm not sure how to best express it,” he said. “It leaves me — I can't speak for Jahwa, though — with a sense of pride that what we set out to accomplish, we did well. And it was well appreciated.”
Although he isn't quite sure what's next, he did say he was going to enjoy spending more of his time as a grandfather.
One thing Scott said he'll always cherish is working with his daughter. But that doesn't mean he's short on appreciation for anyone else. Scott mentioned his cook, Richard Manube.
“He was fantastic," he said. "He is fantastic, a wonderful man but a phenomenal cook. Certainly, we're incredibly grateful for his participation and his work and his friendship.”
Scott's warm feelings also extend to his customers.
“We want to express our gratitude to all the people who've supported us and been regular clients from day one. It's been quite incredible,” he said.
So long as Birchwood is open, if you ask Scott, he'd still say he's got the best coffee in Yellowknife.