The Latino soul is alive and well in Fraser Lake BC, with a twist. You will find it at Senor Duggie’s Tacos and Pizzeria. Yes, it is a bit of an unusual combination but a local favourite for lunch and dinner. Doug Close was a heavy equipment operator for most of his working life and his friends truly enjoyed his cooking. Doug had been to Mexico and Latin America off and on for years and he loved the Latin culture, so he specialized in serving his friends Mexican fare. “You should open a restaurant.” They encouraged. When the Endako molybdenum mine closed, he took the suggestion to heart. “I attended a talk at the local learning centre and I hooked up with Tammy there and she got me going and gave me a hand with a business plan.”
Doug had created many of his own recipes and with the assistance of Community Futures Stuart Nechako a Mexican cantina opened in Fraser Lake, British Columbia, on 30th July 2016. Not only Doug’s friends frequented the new establishment as folks from neighbouring Vanderhoof and Burns Lake discovered the unique cuisine and Latin ambience as well.
In 2017, Jonny Harris and the CBC program Still Standing filmed an episode in Fraser Lake. When the crew discovered the epicurean delights at Senor Duggie’s it became their home away from home. “My footage all ended up on the cutting room floor though.” quips Doug, but he does have Mr. Harris’ signature on his wall.
“I enjoy great community support and many people travelling through are surprised to discover this type of cuisine outside of Mexico. And we have really good tequila too.” Next time you are near Fraser Lake enjoy a taste of Ol’ Mexico and drop in or follow Duggie’s on Facebook.
Watch Senor Duggie’s Success Story video below:
