BURSTA staple business in Smithers has new owners as of this year.
Northwest Kitchen Centre started more than 40 years ago, has been sold multiple times, and now has a new couple at the helm after the previous owners moved across the country.
Nick and Brooke Bandstra are the newest kids on the block, and are making a splash in the industry.
Nick, who has a background in carpentry, and Brooke, who went to school for marketing, have been married for 12 years, have four children together, and decided to buy Northwest Kitchen Centre when it went up for sale earlier this year.
The thought of marinating their passions together and owning their own business seemed like a great opportunity and a good fit for their family.
The shop strives to make people’s homes a space where family and friends come to gather with the durability and functionality for everyday life.
While they focus on kitchens and bathrooms, they are also known to create other custom furniture. They have installed kitchens from as far west as Kitimat to as far east as Burns Lake.
The couple, who were both born and raised in Smithers, knows the importance of community.
They shop here, their kids go to school and participate in activities here, and they have been known to stay-cation.
Research has shown that locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.
Local businesses have owners who live and provide jobs in the community. They provide more support for local events, sports teams, and charities, and are more likely to buy local services and stock local products.
Spending with a local business has ripple effects that contribute to the growth and health of the communities in B.C.
Most of Northwest Kitchen Centre’s products and supplies are sourced within the province and as close to home as possible. Not only do the high and ever-rising shipping costs make this necessary, but the Bandstras understand how critical it is to support their neighbours, and they aim to circulate their money as locally as possible.
While there are challenges and unknowns associated with buying a business, there are a lot of opportunities, perks, and benefits, they said.
“When a client’s happy, once you’ve installed their kitchen and they’re happy with it, that’s because you’ve done your job, there is a sense of accomplishment,” Nick explained.
Brooke echoed his optimism.
“So far, it’s just been fun,” she said. “It’s fun working with customers and designing, and bringing their vision to life.”
They have one employee, who was an owner of the business at one point, and who they say is the heart of operations. For now, they don’t want to stir the pot and are keeping things running as they were previously, before thinking about changing anything.
You can visit them at their storefront on Tatlow, check out the beautiful kitchen displays, and have them help make your renovation dreams come true.