WELLINGTON: With restrictions easing related to COVID19 for food establishment facilities and non-profit community halls, like the one at Station 42 in Wellington, the new operator of the kitchen facility at the Station House spoke to the community.
After a special presentation to the volunteer committee for work on the hall, Scott Hope talked to The Laker News about the opening and operation of the Station House BBQ and Lounge, which will open every Thursday and Friday night from 6-10 p.m.
Hope is a chef by trade and is now bringing his expertise to the community he calls home. In the two weeks it has been open, they have received nothing but rave reviews from customers.
“We’ve had a great opportunity to expand here from the café on base which has been running for five years,” said Hope. “We’re opening up here. It’ll be a full-service kitchen with dine in and takeout options available.
He has always been deeply passionate about bringing people together using food. Hope was a Marine Engineer with the Navy for seven years, before switching over to culinary to pursue a passion of cooking for the Military.
Hope said they have faith they will be expanding the operating hours in the future.
“We hope to add additional days and hours as we progress,” he said.
He admits to some hesitation to opening Station House BBQ and Lounge post-COVID19 era.
“I wasn’t sure I wanted to run something in the post-COVID times but having a chance to run something in my community, local, and for my community has been inspirational to try it,” he said.
The kitchen will have a small menu available—with just four menu items on it. That will include smoked hamburgers; chickenburgers; roast beef sandwich; and a homemade Pastrami sandwich.
“It’ll all be available for our customers to purchase,” said Hope.
He spoke about the background work that took place to get the facility and business up and running.
“Adjusting to the new restaurant world with COVID has been educational for me,” said Hope. “You get to see the community come together and really push for something that is needed here now more than ever.”
Hope made a pledge to the community on why they should give them a try.
“It’s fresh BBQ, and it’s affordable,” he said. ‘What we’re looking to do is draw people in, create a warm community environment where you can get a bite toe at and a cold refreshment, and carry on.
“You will also be supporting a community venture that supports your community.”
