Buzz Coffee House on Rutherford Rd. will re-open Saturday, March 26, around six weeks after a beloved co-worker was killed in what police called a "completely random" homicide. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

back in business

Popular Nanaimo coffee shop re-opening following murder of beloved employee

Mar 24, 2022 | 5:39 AM

NANAIMO — A small family-run business devastated by the murder of a devoted co-worker is re-opening this weekend.

Popular staff member Eric Kutzner was killed at Buzz Coffee House, which was about to open to customers on Saturday, Feb. 12. A second degree murder charge was laid as a result against a 29-year-old man.

Buzz Coffee House acting owner Phil Baker said their Rutherford Rd. operation will again welcome customers beginning Saturday, March 26 after the community rallied in multiple ways to support the business and its employees.

“We had some people offer professional counselling, a few of us have taken that up. We’ve spent some time with each other and just trying to take some space and work through what we needed to work through,” Baker told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Some new staff members were hired, while the ownership team has been busy re-stocking and doing maintenance to the business at Long Lake Plaza.

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Baker praised the many people and several other local business operators who helped Buzz Coffee House during its difficult emotional and financial challenges.

“Everywhere I go I have to budget an extra 20 minutes because people want to check in and see how I’m doing. Its been really terrific and wonderful, everyone’s making sure that we’re doing okay.”

Baker singled out Brüd House, Metamorphosis Wellness, and Pedestrian General for fundraisers they ran in support of the staff and business, saying “people like you make the city stronger, and remind us of why we do this.”

An online fundraiser generated more than $17,000 to support Buzz Coffee House during its closure.

While Kutzner’s death is still difficult to deal with, Baker said he’s looking forward to getting back into a rhythm at work.

James Carey Turok was charged a day following the killing of the 79-year-old Kutzner, a beloved member of the Buzz Coffee House team.

Turok is currently undergoing a psychiatric evaluation at a facility in Coquitlam to determine if he’s fit to stand trial.

He remains in custody and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on April 11 after the report’s findings are known.

Nanaimo RCMP described the coffee shop homicide as “entirely random” involving people unknown to each other.

— with files from Alex Rawnsley

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes