From Vietnam to Digby
Meet the new owners of the Coastal Inn Kingfisher
Jean Than and James Nguyen are settling into their new home in Digby.
Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam, the couple made the decision to move to Canada in 2011. After running a beauty spa in Ontario they decided it was time for their next adventure on the East Coast.
“We wanted to find somewhere smaller, less busy. It’s peaceful here,” says Nguyen.
The couple are the new owners of the Coastal Inn Kingfisher in Digby.
They came to visit the area briefly before deciding to pur- chase the property. They both fell in love with Nova Scotia.
“We’re really happy here. People are so friendly, everyone just tries to help us out,” says Than.
They arrived in Digby about a month and a half ago with their three kids and since then, business has been great.
“Every day we love it more,” Than says.
“Everyone always asks why move to Digby? And I don’t really know why, but I’m glad we did,” adds Nguyen.
The couple plans to continue running the motel very similar to how the previous owner did. They have never owned a motel before, so they are thankful the owner stuck around and helped them transition into their new ownership role.
“Everyone has been so helpful, and we can’t thank them enough,” says Than.
When they decided to move to Canada in 2011 they knew they wanted to open a business. When they saw the Coastal Inn Kingfisher for sale in Digby, they knew they had the necessary business experience to jump from one adventure to another.
“It’s a different job but you’re still offering a service. And we know when you offer a service, it has to be good, so the customers come back. We did good in Ontario and we hope to do that here too,” says Than.
They hope to stay here and continue running the inn for a while.
“We want our kids to grow up here and we want them to feel like this is home,” Nguyen says. Jean Than and James Nguyen are the new owners of the Coastal Inn Kingfisher in Digby. Originally from Vietnam, the couple hopes to make Digby their new home.