Freeport, N.S- Brooke Swift of Brier Island is taking on a new opportunity by taking over a popular Freeport restaurant.
Formally Lavena's Catch Cafe, is now under new ownership and the name has changed to The Captain's Daughter restaurant.
The name The Captain’s Daughter is inspired by Swift's father, Mitchell Swift, who fishes in Brier Island on the boat the Hunter Buck.
“He has worked on a boat for as long as I have been around. Being from a fishing-based community I thought the name fit perfectly.”
Swift has always worked in the tourism and hospitality field, recently she worked at the Lighthouse Café in Brier Island and previously worked at Lavena’s Catch Café.
It was a big jump for her to take over ownership of the restaurant.
“It took me a little while before I was really sure I wanted to do it. There is the ‘what if's’ and ‘buts’ of course and wondering if it was even possible for me.”
Although it’s a change for her, she’s glad she decided to take the risk.
“I talked it over with my parents and even they were unsure, but my mom Lisa Swift said she would be along for the ride with me. So either we fail, or we succeed, but I won’t have to live life wondering what it could have been.”
Born and raised on Brier Island, swift has no plans to leave anytime soon.
“The amount of work on the islands is very limited and I plan to stay here for the rest of my life so why not do something that I will always be employed as long as tourists keep coming.”
She briefly moved to Truro to study but realized she wanted to be closer to home.
“The Island is where I want to be,” she said.
Swift is excited for opening day and can’t wait to see where this new chapter in life takes her.
“There is lots of concerns and questions, but I need to take the risk and learn as I go.”
The restaurant is opening this weekend for Mother's Day. Reservations are filling up quickly for opening weekend and weekends following that.
The restaurant will be serving seafood and some daily specials. For more information and updates follow their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/captaindaughtersrestaurant/
“I am super excited to start this journey, I have always dreamed about having my own restaurant and making it a fun place to be. I could not thank my mom and dad enough for helping and being with me through this. Also, could not do it without Stanton and Lavena (previous owners) we thank them for guiding us and keeping our spirits up,” Swift said.
