‘Really exciting:’ Coco Cafe takes over concession duties at Nanaimo’s Hullo terminal

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He said they plan to be open during regular sailing hours, with the first Hullo ferry departing at 7:15 a.m. on weekdays, and the Airstream open until at least 4 p.m.

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Coco Cafe employees Jacob (L) and Ben (R) with general manager Marc Taschereau inside the silver Airstream concession trailer near the Hullo terminal. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The service is available to anybody in the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf area.

Taschereau said they’re hoping to expand with similar ventures in the future.

Coco Cafe director Deborah Cooper said they’ve been providing on-board food service for Hullo since last summer, and now they’ll offer hot drinks, sweet treats, or a sandwich before boarding, while providing training opportunities for their employees.

“Especially in the morning when people are most inclined to need a coffee, but we’ll also be determining how we utilize the Airstream for training and so on. We’ll be working around the ferry sailing schedule, initially, and then determining whether we can reach out more and provide something really exciting for people.”

Coco Cafe is a non-profit venture, celebrating its 15th anniversary.

After 15 years of operating their inclusive employment model at Coco Cafe, Cooper said they’re thrilled to be able to expand and replicate that model elsewhere.

Providing hands-on training in various environments provides huge benefits to people with intellectual disabilities, said Cooper.

“My son works here, Jacob, and he’s been here for the last seven or eight years, and it’s been a game- changer for him and for our family. His ability to not only develop skills, but for those skills to come home with him. He’s able to have an income, and he becomes part of the community in a very integrated way.”

Travellers heading out on Hullo or the Helijet will be able to grab a hot coffee before they go, courtesy of Coco Cafe staff. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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