Small Town Success: Farm-to-tap brewpub Rusted Rake Brewing is crafting success in Nanoose Bay

Nestled in the heart of Nanoose Bay—a quaint locality of around 6,000 residents on Vancouver Island—Rusted Rake Brewing is a testament to resilience, determination and the power of community.

The journey of this beloved establishment—known for its exceptional beer, friendly atmosphere and locally sourced food—traces back to the vision of its owners, Jodie and Will Gemmell. In 2013, the pair purchased a farm on foreclosure with a mission to not only grow their own food but to also provide Nanoose with a gathering place that, according to Jodie, it “desperately needed.”

So Rusted Rake was born—initially a café offering hot drinks, soups and salads, and eventually breakfast and lunch, too—and the establishment quickly became a cherished spot for locals. But, for the Gemmells, the path to realizing their dream was far from easy. “We started from scratch… it was our labour of sweat, blood and tears—and a lot of love,” Jodie remembers.

The duo took on the daunting task of construction themselves, embracing the challenges that come with digging a well and building a restaurant from the ground up. Despite the initial success of the café, regulatory constraints forced its closure in 2019; Jodie and Will could only continue operating if they had a manufacturing facility for liquor. Devastated, they got creative. And when they proposed a new plan to build a brewery, they got the green light.

Next, they recruited Jodie’s sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Craig Nichols, to join as partners. “When we started the process of reopening, we realized that we couldn’t do it alone anymore,” Jodie says.

The transition to Rusted Rake Brewing marked a new chapter in the four co-owners’ lives. Armed with determination, they once again tackled the task of constructing everything themselves as they set up a brewery beside the restaurant. They also created a special events space, where they now host weddings and entertainment.

Since its reopening, Rusted Rake Brewing has thrived. Jodie describes the restaurant as a “hidden gem” embodying the essence of familial warmth and quality food. The establishment prides itself not only on its award-winning brews but also on its role as a community hub.

“I get emotional talking about it,” Jodie says. “When I say that Rusted Rake is a family place, I mean that sincerely; we treat our staff like family and it’s family-owned.”

The co-founder emphasizes that Rusted Rake is more than just a restaurant and brewery. “There’s so much love in Rusted Rake,” she says. “My husband and I weren’t together very long when we bought the farm. As we fell in love and our relationship bloomed, Rusted Rake grew. I think the love and connection is literally within these walls.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rusted Rake faced yet another hurdle: staff shortages—a common challenge for businesses in small communities. However, the outpouring of support from Nanoose and its neighbouring areas reaffirmed the power of community, and Rusted Rake was able to build a strong staff, with many team members still there today.

Reflecting on the road so far, Jodie offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “You have to pour your heart and soul into your business and have a ton of passion for it,” she says. “If you trust your staff and take care of your team, everything will fall into place.”