Planning for Summer Panier Picnic

A perk of living on the West Coast is the ability to dine outdoors for the majority of the year. Backyard gatherings and campfire barbeques are the old standbys, but Panier Picnic, Victoria’s only picnic supplier, believes we all need more picnicking in our lives.

Looking to expand their gift basket business, owners Troy and Britny McGinnis opened Panier Picnic in October 2013. The store, tucked away on upper Fort Street, acts as a showroom for Panier’s wide selection of picnicking products. “Initial reception has been good,” says Troy.

The couple first started their gift basket business when Britny was pregnant. Their little one is now three-years-old.

The space evokes a decidedly nostalgic feel, perfect for inspiring a dream picnic. Checkerboard tablecloths, colourful paper straws and Mason and Weck jars line the shelves. If it weren’t for the touchscreen payment system, Panier could stand in for any old-fashioned emporium.

Panier encourages customers to personalize their picnic experiences. Valentine’s Day saw a rush on indoor picnic creations.

The biggest choice is the picnic basket itself. A traditional design comes equipped with glasses and utensils. Others prefer the vintage look for its lattice pattern and double handles. Of course, the backpack style has the adventurous picnickers covered. For those looking to picnic responsibly, Panier carries compostable dining wear.

While Panier doesn’t prepare any food, they’re committed to supporting local businesses. “We’re 95 per cent local to B.C.” says Troy. Victoria and Vancouver Island businesses include Silk Road Tea, Murchie’s coffee and hot chocolate, Melinda’s Biscotti’s, Bubby Rose’s Bakery, Sugarboy bakery, the Little Cheese Shop, Island Soda Works and Sip Soda.

Panier encourages customers to personalize their picnic experiences. Valentine’s Day saw a rush on indoor picnic creations.

The biggest choice is the picnic basket itself. A traditional design comes equipped with glasses and utensils. Others prefer the vintage look for its lattice pattern and double handles. Of course, the backpack style has the adventurous picnickers covered. For those looking to picnic responsibly, Panier carries compostable dining wear.

While Panier doesn’t prepare any food, they’re committed to supporting local businesses. “We’re 95 per cent local to B.C.” says Troy. Victoria and Vancouver Island businesses include Silk Road Tea, Murchie’s coffee and hot chocolate, Melinda’s Biscotti’s, Bubby Rose’s Bakery, Sugarboy bakery, The Little Cheese Shop, Island Soda Works and Sip Soda.

Picnic Coffee, also on Fort Street, conveniently supplies sandwiches and salads.

In addition to their picnic baskets, Panier also offers gift baskets, snack boxes and catering services. One option, a catered hot chocolate bar, has been popular with offices around town. Three different hot chocolate varieties, including dairy and sugar free are available, as well as handmade marshmallows from Kimberley’s Kitchen in Telkwa, BC. For those looking to create a hot chocolate bar at home, Panier offers mini-baskets with all the supplies included.

Snack boxes, available for weekly delivery, have been a hit with local tech companies Red Brick Media and MetaLabs.

Troy’s still waiting for someone to purchase the Victoria Proposal picnic package, which includes a one-on-one consultation to pick the perfect picnic venue. Personally, Troy enjoys Beacon Hill Park on a quiet day or Saxe Point in Esquimalt for the ocean views.

Panier is currently open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and will be expanding hours once spring arrives.

Panier Picnic

1032 Fort Street, Victoria BC, V8V 3K4

250-857-1400

Twitter: @PanierPicnic

Instagram: @panierpicnic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PanierPicnics