Driving B.C. forward presented by Dueck GM: Jeffrey and Peter Barnett

Through this 12-part series, Dueck GM salutes B.C.’s entrepreneurs who are driving growth and innovation in the local business community. This month’s driving forces are entrepreneurs and philanthropists Jeffrey and Peter Barnett.

Twin brothers Jeffrey and Peter Barnett grew up in London, England. In 1957, Jeffrey settled in Vancouver, B.C., and after working a couple of jobs he eventually started his first business venture when he opened Pizza Patio. Seven years after Jeffrey made his way to the West Coast, Peter followed suit and together they have made their mark on the city through various business and philanthropic endeavours. They expanded Pizza Patio and opened restaurants across Canada and Japan. The Barnett brothers also started Elephant & Castle Restaurant Pubs, which grew to 18 locations throughout Canada and the U.S. and obtained a listing on NASDAQ stock exchange prior to them selling the company.

Credit: Dave Clark

Peter (left) and Jeffrey Barnett

Peter is a founding member of Variety Tent 47, Vancouver, and went on to become the youngest international president of Variety Club. He also established the format for, and chaired, the annual Telethon over a 10-year period, prior to Jeffrey chairing for four years.

Jeffrey has chaired the annual Jewish Community Centre (JCC) Sports Dinner, and has served on the committee for over 20 years. This year’s JCC Sports Dinner takes place in March 2017, and for the fifth straight year Dueck will be donating a car to be auctioned off at the event.

What’s your favourite car?
PB: We love the Cadillac ATS because it drives beautifully.
JB: I also love the heated seats.

Why do you choose Dueck as your preferred dealership?
PB: We have been dealing with Dueck for the last 50 years, either with leases or purchases, and it has always been a “yes we can” company—nothing ever seems to be a problem.
JB: Its staff’s loyalty to the company is amazing, along with its commitment, participation and support of community in B.C.

What was your first major decision?
JB: At the age of 17, asking permission from my parents to emigrate to Canada and accepting that I wouldn’t know anyone when I arrived in Vancouver.

What was your first job in Canada?
JB: Working at Woodward’s Park Royal in 1957, for $1.00 per hour.

Jeffrey Barnett with Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon

How did you get into the restaurant business?
JB: I wanted to get into a business with a repeat factor, where customers would keep coming back. In 1962, I opened the third pizza restaurant, on Davie Street, in Vancouver called Pizza Patio.

Where did you expand the pizza business?
PB: We expanded across Canada and also into Asia, with the first location there being Kobe, Japan.

What book have you read that influences you?
JB: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

What’s your mantra?
JB: As good manners are to man, your public image is vital to the success of your business.

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