A love letter to Bogner’s restaurant
DEAR EDITOR:
“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” — John C Maxwell
I have lived in Penticton for 28 years and enjoyed Granny Bogner’s restaurant and more recently Bogner’s restaurant. I have read all the letters about destroying this historical building and what has transpired and most of the comments really are ridiculous.
An average restaurant’s life span is five years with up to 90 per cent of independently-owned restaurants closing in Year 1. So 17 years later, when Chef Darin Paterson decides to sell his beloved restaurant, everyone is up in arms.
The neighbours complained that Bogner’s, at times, was too busy with people parking down the street and people on the patio being louder than they like. Now those same neighbours are complaining about an office building that may not have enough parking, and yet I am guessing very few of those neighbours ever supported this restaurant.
The garden when taken over by Darin Paterson’s family was in disarray, not the beauty it was claimed in the article. It was low-quality grass, which Darin tore up to grow vegetables and herbs. Darin and Sandy Paterson worked hard to create a garden full of fresh vegetables and herbs that Darin used for his wonderful meals.
Bogner’s was a reliable staple with a menu that was affordable in town — two and threecourse menus for $35 or $45 so no one can say they couldn’t afford it.
Darin Paterson and his family, and Bogner’s Restaurant, have been fantastic additions to our town. His food was delicious, and having a chef that was trained all over the world was absolutely amazing for Penticton.
It was never designated a heritage site, and it belongs to the Paterson family. Why should they not be able to sell it? Thank goodness that the vote went the right way on Tuesday and it is going to happen, it is time for Darin to start a new chapter.
Darin has been a massive supporter of this town, from charity events that he has had at his restaurant, to charity drive-thrus, to making soup for Sowins. He has donated his time and money and talent to helping the charities of this town.
I for one just hope that one day again I get to taste Darin's food wherever he lands.
Natalie Ferebee Penticton