Pass the Torch

For most of us alive today The Riverbend Store has been a fixture always in place. A little green and white thread woven deeply into the fabric of Alberni life and memory. There are some things that can never be changed. The stories made and shared within the walls and even the name Riverbend itself has an eternal life.

Buildings themselves are unfortunately not eternal. A diagnosis revealed it was suffering from an acute structural rot syndrome that would ultimately require an invasive surgery. Due to the marvels of modern technology we were able to keep its heart beating and soul charged during the procedure, preserving the memories and creating additional space for new ones.

The Riverbend Cafe & General Store is a new chapter in an old story. We hope you can still find what you’re looking for on our shelves. We’ll certainly do our best to make sure you can.

We are proud and honoured to be the new owners/caretakers of The Riverbend story. Our love of old things and people has inspired us to turn this new page and forge a connection with Alberni’s past and future.

The building will be out of surgery soon and will need approximately 8-12 weeks rehabilitation. During this time we will be sharing photos and stories on our social media channels and website blog. If you know of or are in possession of old photographs or Riverbend artifacts we’d love to see them!

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions, concerns or inspirations.

Standing by - Chris, Wish, Dylan and Willow