Help celebrate Ƶ’s 50th Anniversary by eating local in September! The college’s first-ever Ƶ Food Affair runs Sept. 16 to 23. We spoke with co-founder and Ƶ alum Calen McNeil to get to know more about Big Wheel Burger.
Grab a delicious snack at any of Big Wheel's five south island locations.
Get to know Big Wheel Burger
is one of more than 40 different food establishments from Victoria to Sidney, Cowichan and Sooke participating in Ƶ’s exciting.
We spoke with co-founder and Ƶ alum Calen McNeil to get to know more about Big Wheel Burger:
How long has your restaurant been catering to the appetites of Victoria?
“We opened our doors in November 2011 with our firstlocationin Cook St. Village. We now have fivelocationsincludingNanaimo.”
What’s the best thing about your restaurant?
“Our staff is our best thing. They work hard and provide fast,friendlyservice. We are alsoproudof all of our menu items. My personal go-to is our classiccheeseburgerwith bacon, but I’m most excited about our new ‘Chicken Tendies’!”
Do you have a sweet or savory tooth?
“I mostly enjoysavoury with a good glass of wine!”
How has Big Wheel Burger been resilient during the pandemic?
“We already had a take-out app and our staff was verycommitted to workingthrough the pandemic. We leaned into our Big Wheel Community Foundationwhich helpedprovide food support for the Ƶ and raise over $150,000 since thepandemic began.”
What does Ƶ mean to you?
“Ƶ is where it allstartedfor me. I received verypractical, applicable business skills that I wasimmediately able to use in mycareer. I am still veryclose to many alumni fromƵ and it has been a great mentorship group for me. We also have a number of current staff enrolled at Ƶ and a few whograduated from the CulinaryArts program.”
Why do you love food?
“Food for me is whereeverythinghappens. It’s where families come together to share the events of the day, celebrations orreconnecting with old friends. Breaking bread is oneof the oldestpastimes and there is nothing better than good food, drink and Ƶ.”
What’s your message to students thinking about a career in your industry?
“We helped start an industrysupportgroup called the Bread and Butter Collective. The group helps to strengthen the industry and emphasizethis industry as being a rewarding career for people. Providing living wageswith benefits and building a financial plan so thebusiness itself can be profitable is how we bringpeople back to the hospitality sector.”
Start your Ƶ Food Affair
#ƵEats Sept. 16-23, 2021
Whether you’re a Ƶ alum, student, employee or Ƶ supporter, treat yourself to the Ƶ Food Affair and savour 50 years of alumni success!
Dine in or take out delicious local fare at participating Ƶ Food Affair establishments, Sept. 16 to 23. Keep an eye out for enticing Ƶ-themeddishes and beverages!
For a full list of participating eateries and info visit:and follow#ƵEatson social media.
Ƶ Food Affair
September16-23, 2021
Contact information
Jody Kitts
Director, Advancement & Alumni Engagement