Good news for Keremeos and its beleagured downtown core - the building containing the Pasta Trading Post has new owners.
Liza Needham, her daughter Tasha Thompson, and her son in law Rick Thompson are the proud new owners of the historic downtown property.
Liza is a Keremeos resident (nee Sanders). She has a great affinity for the historic building as she understands that her great-great-great great grandfather, Xavier Richter, actually had a hand in the construction of the building.
While Needham declined specifics when asked what her plans for the building were going to be, she did say that she planned to support the local community in every way possible, from locally grown food to locally made beverages.
“We will be shaking the town up,” she laughed. Her plans are to open the business in stages, and to be fully operational by next year’s May long weekend.
Rick and Tasha Thompson plan to open a glassblowing works in the outdoor patio portion of the property, along with a small art gallery.
“We’ll feature blown glass and local art and ceramics,” Rick explained, who originally hails from Los Angeles and has a background in art, photography and glass blowing.
He plans to produce hand blown wine glasses that will complement the local wine industry. He’ll also be producing jewelery, candlesticks and other items.
Plans also call for art events and wine catered events out of the facility. Live glass blowing demonstrations are also in the works.
Rick and Tasha hope to have their side of the business set up and operational soon. The two, who have two children, are looking forward to life in Keremeos.
“It’s a nice departure from Los Angeles,” Rick admitted.