"I bought a café."
Born in Toronto in 1956, Tom Ferris put himself through the University of Toronto by working at Lake Louise Chateau and Jasper Park Lodge, rising from pot washer to Captain Waiter. When the money ran out, he headed west to Victoria — and found his future.
After his first venture, Twist on Wharf Street, and managing Burgundy's Restaurant, Tom met Sandy, who used to come in after work with her friends. She'd become both his partner in life and in the journey ahead.
In 1989, Tom came home and announced: "I bought a café." Café Giovannini on Fort Street was operated by Sandy and Paula, while Tom drove the island selling espresso by day and tended bar at night. Then in November 1990, he came home again: "I bought a restaurant."
On February 4th, 1991, Ferris' Oyster & Burger Bar opened its doors. 35 years later, we're proud to celebrate the legacy Tom and Sandy built — and grateful to everyone who's been part of the story.
