Molly's Reach Gets a Fresh Start as Black Bean Cafe Owners Take the Helm

Molly’s Reach, the beloved Gibsons, B.C., restaurant immortalized by the CBC series Beachcombers, is being revitalized by new owners after sitting vacant since 2023. The building, a cornerstone of the Sunshine Coast community, will now be operated by David and Becca Bristow, the sibling duo behind the local Black Bean Cafe.

A New Lease on Life

The Bristows decided to purchase Molly’s Reach after learning their current cafe location would lose its lease in January. The Black Bean Cafe, a community fixture for 20 years, needed a new home, and the vacant Molly’s Reach presented the perfect opportunity.

“Both the Black Bean and Molly’s Reach have served as community hubs, so it made a lot of sense to merge them,” David Bristow said.

The restaurant, which will retain its name and iconic status, is scheduled to reopen by the end of February.

Historical Charm, Modern Updates

The building, listed for $150,000, was fully renovated in 2022, maintaining its historic charm while updating the space. The new Molly’s Reach will feature double the indoor seating capacity of the Black Bean Cafe, solving a longstanding issue for the Bristows, particularly during the winter months.

“Our current indoor seating is quite limited, so this is a fantastic opportunity to expand,” Becca Bristow said.

Community Support

News of the revitalization has sparked excitement among Sunshine Coast residents.

“Honestly, the outpouring of support has been absolutely astonishing to us,” Becca said.

A Cultural Icon Lives On

Molly’s Reach has long been a cultural symbol, appearing in both the Beachcombers series and more recently in the Fox series Murder in a Small Town. By merging their established business with the iconic location, the Bristows hope to continue its legacy as a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

“It’s a huge responsibility to take over something as iconic as Molly’s Reach,” David said. “But it’s also an incredible opportunity to bring two beloved community hubs together.”

The Sunshine Coast eagerly awaits the return of Molly’s Reach, reimagined for a new generation.