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CBS News
3 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Stockton BBQ owner battles cancer, receives community support
STOCKTON — Fat City Brew & BBQ is regarded as one of the gems of the historic Miracle Mile in Stockton. Don King is the mastermind behind this popular place, and on any given day, you can find him behind the grill. But lately, King has had to take more pauses than usual as he undergoes cancer treatment. "I've only known for about four weeks now. My life changed in a couple of days," he said. In May, he was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. "[I] have vision in [one] eye, but some of the cancer is in my head, and it messes with the muscles in my eye. That's why I have to wear a patch. I lost my voice," he said. But King says the outpouring of support kept him going. "It knocks down the nay-sayers of Stockton. It shows there are great things in Stockton. There is a community. There are great things in Stockton, a great support system. I'm living proof of it," said King. "Fat City is here because of them." People coming in and asking how they can help has been the sweetest sauce in his restaurant, King said. "People always want to do something, and I'm grateful," he said. "The biggest thing they can do is come out to Fat City. If they want to support my family, my workers, come into Fat City." On a wall inside the restaurant sits a sign from almost every local shop nearby. King said he's grateful for his employees who have stuck with him every step of the way. "I'm thankful for everybody. For all our patrons, our employees have done an excellent job keeping this place rolling, putting out great food. Exactly what I'd expect," he said. For King, personally, it's his superhero wife that makes it all possible. "Not only is she here, but she's taking care of me at home. Plus, we have two young kids. We have a 15-year-old and an 11-year-old. They're in sports and all kinds of things. I don't know how this woman does it. I'm so grateful," he said. If you'd like to support King and his restaurant, Fat City Brew & BBQ is open Tuesday through Sunday, starting every day at 11 in the morning. "I can see how people quit, but I can also see how people get stronger, and that's what I chose: [to be] stronger," he said.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
Island golf favourite battles visitor decline and warns of ‘big decisions' ahead
An Isle of Wight cafe and golf course says it faces 'big decisions' at the end of the year, with visitor numbers described as "absolutely dead." Browns Golf and Cafe said it is taking 'each day as it is' as it tackles an increasingly difficult situation. Owned by the IW Council and leased by operator Paul Saville since summer 2023, the attraction is a summer favourite on Culver Parade in Sandown. Taking to social media to share the concerning news, Browns Golf explained that the course and the cafe had been 'absolutely dead for the fourth day in a row.' Browns Golf Course and Cafe (Image: IWCP) In a post on Facebook, the business said: 'Bloody tough going at the moment, but it's likely shared everywhere. 'Many difficulties at this moment with 'one body' who are causing Browns such a headache." Browns Golf said this body was not learning from "historic issues," adding that the business needs to be supported by them. The post continued: 'Taking each day as it is and see what happens by the end of the year - big decisions to be made. Islanders took to the comments to offer support for the popular venue, with some saying they would come and visit today (Sunday, June 8). The post follows a serious incident on May 28, when police were called to the golf course at 3.40am after an alleged violent assault resulted in a man being found with serious puncture wounds to his back. A boy from Newport was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and burglary and bailed. Read more: Seafront golf venue targeted by thieves in overnight break-in Teen arrested after man suffers puncture wound in serious golf course assault The cafe at Browns Golf (Image: IWCP) Replying to comments, Browns Golf voiced broader concerns about the economic climate for small businesses on the Island. "This is an Isle of Wight thing more so than the mainland. I feel for every business here. "The big concern is the rapid decline over recent years. 'The government need to support small businesses like other big countries are doing. 'We seem to have no idea how to deal with such problems.' Thankfully, it appears business picked up this afternoon following Browns Golf's post, with live music from Tommy Burnham drawing more visitors to the cafe.
CBC
02-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Hamilton non-profit marks 5 years of support for Black-owned businesses, hopes to make bigger impact
Social Sharing A non-profit organization that supports Black-owned businesses in the Hamilton area celebrates its fifth anniversary this week, and one of its leaders said the group wants to make an even bigger impact in Ontario and Canada. Ashleigh Montague, co-founder of Blk Owned, said while they started in Hamilton, where most of the businesses they support are located, they've also partnered with organizations in the Niagara Region. Montague said they are now ready to take Blk Owned even further. "When I think years from now I am seeing more of a national impact," Montague told CBC Hamilton. "Within the next three years, I see expanding geographically within Ontario, strengthening the reach that we have been able to foster over the last five years." Montague and her sisters — Alexandria Montague and Abygail Montague — co-founded Blk Owned on June 2, 2020 at a time when people around the world had taken to social media to post black squares after the resurgence of Black Lives Matter, and, specifically, the murder of George Floyd by white police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis. Since then, the organization created an Instagram page to showcase Black-owned businesses, launched, and has hosted markets, events, and workshops along with a Black-owned business directory that highlights and showcases businesses to the community. In 2022, Blk Owned launched a trailblazer program to help young Black entrepreneurs gain fundamental skills to help improve their business. They've had three cohorts of participants since. In all, they've supported hundreds of Black entrepreneurs, Montague said. 'Entrepreneurship is really lonely' Blk Owned has received funding from Toronto Pearson airport's Uplift Fund, as well as the Hamilton Community Foundation, Montague said, which has allowed them to launch the community platform and a hybrid version of the trailblazer program. Montague said the trailblazer program runs over a two-month period with online and in-person components. At the end of each cohort, participants receive an award and networking opportunities with more established businesses, with the other participants and with facilitators, Montague said. The in-person segment has been held at Sheridan College the past two cohorts, she added. "Because of our expansion of our program... we've had people connecting with businesses from the Brampton region, the Scarborough region, all the way through to London," she said. "With our work with the Southwestern Ontario Black Business Network, we've been able to stretch our reach all the way to Windsor." Gugu Mpofu is the owner of Oaesis Within, an organic body care and wellness company. She told CBC Hamilton that she was one of the first participants in the trailblazer program, adding that "they've really helped propel my business." "They had mentors who were part of the Hamilton Business Centre and I ended up joining their startup company plus program where I got a grant of $5,000," Mpofu said. "I've always had the support of Blk Owned, whether it's just through their programming, through their vendor markets, through their networking events, and also through them recommending me into spaces where I was able to have wholesales," she added. Mpofu, who also serves as community relationships co-ordinator at Blk Owned, said the organization is more than a support system. "Entrepreneurship is really lonely, very scary, and starting my business, I was worried about being the only Black or racialized person in the room, and just having Blk Owned it's like somebody to lean on," she said. "I can always go back to them if I'm feeling like I need a resource or if I feel like I need to join a market or if I need to network with other people … and that's something that's very precious." Anniversary celebration on June 5 Matheus Brasileiro, the founder and owner of vegan Brazilian bakery Sau Bake in the Hamilton Farmers' Market, has been in business for more than two years — first in Toronto, and then Hamilton. They said they learned about Blk Owned through a friend and participated in the trailblazer program last year, adding that it was "very helpful." Brasileiro said the support Blk Owned provides to small businesses is like "having someone that gets your back and understands the struggle that you go through as a Black business and small business." "You can't run a small business without a community, without having support, and one of the big reasons that I [got] to where I am right now with my little shop … was knowing that I had Blk Owned [to support me]," Brasileiro added. To mark the fifth anniversary of Blk Owned, Montague said the organization will be hosting a community celebration on June 5 at CoMotion On King, the co-working space out of which staff work. Montague said part of the free event will be "taking a look back at the last five years, but also taking a moment to reflect on where we're going to be going, moving forward from here." Later in the summer, on July 13, they will also be hosting a fundraiser and awards gala, called the Garden Party at the Royal Botanical Gardens, where Blk Owned will be honouring seven business owners in the Hamilton community, Montague said.
National Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Canadian Icon Doug Gilmour Joins MooseMarket.ca as Official Spokesperson
Article content 'A new platform for Canadian-made products, backed by national pride and one of hockey's greatest names.' Article content Article content BURLINGTON, Ontario — In a time when global trade tensions are challenging Canadian businesses and consumers, a new marketplace is answering the call for national pride and economic independence. Article content is proud to announce Canadian hockey legend Doug Gilmour as the official spokesperson for its mission-driven platform — dedicated exclusively to showcasing and selling Canadian-made products coast to coast. Article content As trade uncertainty with the U.S. grows and Canadian consumers seek easy ways to support local businesses, is designed to offer a direct connection between Canadian manufacturers and Canadian shoppers. Every product listed on the platform meets strict criteria for being either made in Canada, prepared in Canada, or a product of Canada — ensuring dollars stay in the country and local businesses thrive. Article content 'MooseMarket was created for a purpose much bigger than commerce — it's about strengthening Canadian independence, especially during uncertain times,' says Steve Beazley, President of 'We're proud to welcome Doug Gilmour — a true Canadian icon — as the face of this movement, because no one understands commitment to this country better than Doug.' Article content Known for his storied NHL career, his leadership as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his 2011 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Doug Gilmour brings more than celebrity status — he brings a legacy of Canadian grit and heart. Article content 'Choosing Canadian products isn't just smart, it's patriotic,' said Gilmour. 'This is about Canadians standing up for Canadians, and I'm proud to be part of Moose Market.' Article content Why Matters: Article content ✅ 100% Canadian-Made Focus – Every product listed on the site is verified to be made in Canada. Article content ✅ Strengthening the Canadian Economy – Keeps dollars circulating within Canada, reducing reliance on foreign imports. Article content ✅ Supporting Local Entrepreneurs & Manufacturers – Helps small and large businesses gain national exposure. Article content ✅ Consumers Can Buy with Confidence – Canadians looking to shop local now have a trusted source. Article content Canadians Supporting Canadians—for Canada Article content The platform offers a wide range of products, from household essentials to artisan goods, showcasing the best that Canadian businesses and manufacturers have to offer. With a focus on convenience, quality, and national pride, is poised to become the go-to destination for consumers who want to buy Canadian-first. Article content Both Doug Gilmour and President Steve Beazley are available for interviews to discuss the importance of building strong Canadian supply chains, how supports local businesses, and why Canadian-made matters now more than ever. Article content Moose Market is proud to announce our live date for summer, 2025. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content For interview requests and media inquiries, please contact: Steve Beazley President Moose Market Inc. (905) 379-3816 steve@ Vendor Marketing Deck Article content Article content Article content
RNZ News
26-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Temu and Shein come at cost of local businesses
business about 1 hour ago Empty shop fronts and for lease signs are a call to action for consumers to buy local. That is the message from the Parnell Business Association, nestled in one of Auckland's oldest shopping precincts, with a mix of eateries and boutique shops. In a recent opinion piece, the general manager of the Parnell Business Association said that online platforms like Temu and Shein come at a cost to working local businesses. Cheryl Adamson spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
