Bread & Butter Collective

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Bread & Butter Collective Bread & Butter is a Vancouver Island based peer-driven collective aimed at providing resources and tools to hospitality based business owners in B.C.

07/04/2026

What if the key to keeping families in Victoria is simply building more housing?

In this clip, Luke Mari shares data showing that the only neighbourhoods gaining children were also the only neighbourhoods building meaningful amounts of housing. The conversation explores household formation, housing supply, family-friendly communities, and why solving the housing crisis may require change in every neighbourhood—not just a few.

A powerful discussion about growth, affordability, and the future of cities.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

07/03/2026

Can a joke about parking trigger a community meltdown?

Luke Mari shares the story of posting a satirical rendering of an eight-storey parkade at Clover Point—and the surprisingly intense backlash that followed.

A funny but revealing conversation about social media, public discourse, and why some issues tap into emotions far beyond the facts.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

07/02/2026

Why don't restaurants just bring back everyone's favorite menu item?

In this lighthearted clip, Calen McNeil explains why something as simple as adding chicken wings isn't always so simple. From rising food costs and supply chain challenges to customer expectations and restaurant economics, this funny exchange reveals the hidden realities behind menu decisions.

Sometimes the most requested item can also be the hardest to make work.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

06/26/2026

What happens when residents ask for more parking... and then criticize you for building it?

Luke Mari shares a real-world example of trying to address neighbourhood concerns during a housing project, only to face opposition from both sides. The conversation explores housing density, parking, community consultation, and why some development decisions become impossible to satisfy everyone.

A fascinating look at the challenges of building housing in growing communities.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

06/24/2026

Why do people react so strongly to new housing developments?

Luke Mari explains why opposition to development is often less about resisting change and more about the fear of losing something familiar. He discusses the challenges of public consultation, personal attacks, and why meaningful conversations often reveal far more common ground than people expect.

An insightful look at housing, community engagement, and human psychology.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

06/22/2026

What happens when you replace Facebook comments with face-to-face conversations?

Luke Mari shares why he regularly invited project opponents into his office for coffee and conversation. While people didn't always change their minds, many left with a better understanding of the person behind the project.

A thoughtful discussion about civility, accountability, and why real conversations often accomplish more than online arguments.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

06/19/2026

The future of hospitality isn't just what's happening inside the restaurant.

Calen McNeil and Sam Jones discuss why modern restaurants need multiple revenue streams, from farmers markets and catering to packaged products and community events.

Calen shares how Zambri's transformed a COVID-era idea into a successful retail product and why building a brand beyond your dining room may be one of the most important business lessons for restaurant owners today.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

06/18/2026

What happens when your values cost you money?

Calen McNeil discusses Big Wheel Burger's donation matching program and why the company continues to support it despite rising costs and economic pressure.

After helping raise more than $750,000 for community initiatives, Calen reflects on the role integrity plays in business and why some commitments are worth keeping, even when they impact the bottom line.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

06/17/2026

How can restaurants tell when the economy is slowing down?

Calen McNeil explains how changing consumer spending habits show up in hospitality before almost anywhere else. As households tighten their budgets, higher-end dining often sees the impact first, while value-focused brands can experience growth.

The conversation also explores changing attitudes toward alcohol, wellness trends, and how younger generations are spending differently than previous generations.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

06/16/2026

What happens when people can't access healthcare, education, or basic necessities?

Calen and Sam discuss the role of universal healthcare, public education, and social supports in creating healthier and more productive societies. The conversation explores why investing in basic needs can unlock opportunity, reduce barriers, and help people reach their full potential regardless of where they start in life.

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: http://bit.ly/4j7kLXE

📺 YouTube:
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 www.breadandbuttercollective.com

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Victoria, BC

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