From patio picks to BC pours: meet the JAK’s Kits team
With our Summer Social just around the corner on June 20, we caught up with a few members of the JAK’s Kits team to chat about their go-to summer sips, favourite BC pours, and what makes JAK’s newest location so special.
Kam
What's your ideal summer-in-Kits beverage?
Something fruity, lively, and fun. I love sour beers — it's the year of the sour lager. For cocktails, Please Bev Co is on rotation. They have such a great selection, and those little cans are super convenient to take down to the beach.
What BC product are you loving right now?
I'm loving the scene of organic BC wines. We've got a huge selection of natural BC wine right now. Sunday in August makes some incredible wine, and there are some co-ferments from Scout. Anthony Buchanan just released some cool wines too — lots of fun, different natural wines to explore.
Beach day, patio, or dinner with friends.. What are you bringing?
Dinner with friends: cocktails. I love making a good Negroni with a nice vermouth. That's my patio drink.
How long have you worked for JAK's?
About eight and a half years, across a couple of different locations — and I've loved every minute of it.
What's the best part of leading JAK's Kits?
This is such a fun store. There's so much great product and a lot of history and legacy here. It's been great to take over this inventory and build a bigger, broader audience with customers in this neighbourhood. The energy in Kits in the summertime is so lively and fun.
What can guests expect from the Summer Social on June 20th?
A lot of fun and lots of energy. We're going to have a string quartet outside, giveaways, and tastings all day long — as a thank you to the community for such a warm welcome.
Song currently on repeat?
A lot of Charlie Crockett lately — great country music, great energy. It's a little different for me since I'm usually a Pink Floyd person, but I'm loving it.
Dan
What's your ideal summer-in-Kits beverage?
Vinho Verde from Portugal. It's a light, zippy white wine — lovely and refreshing.
What BC product are you loving right now?
The JAK's Gratitude Rosé that we made with Okanagan Crush Pad. It's a really great example of BC rosé.
Beach day, patio, or dinner with friends.. What are you bringing?
Depends on what we're eating, but in the summertime I love a light red — a Gamay, maybe a Beaujolais or a Cru Beaujolais like a Morgon, slightly chilled. It's super versatile: great with burgers, steak, ribs.
Song currently on repeat?
Orange County by The Gorillaz. I cannot get it out of my head — it has this catchy little whistle that I'm humming while I work.
Maria
What's your ideal summer-in-Kits beverage?
Triple XXX Sochu Cognac Green Tea Cooler. It needs to be in the fridge at all times — it's a must-have.
What BC product are you loving right now?
The Nomad Craft Cider. An absolute must-have for brunch, as a morning beverage, or really with anything — even dessert.
Beach day, patio, or dinner with friends.. What are you bringing?
Probably the Tantalus Riesling — we just got the 2025 vintage in and I'm so excited to try it. I loved the previous one.
What can guests expect from the Summer Social?
A lot of great vibes and positive energy from all the staff. Come early to get the free gifts and giveaways, and just enjoy the atmosphere — hopefully the sun comes out too!
Song currently on repeat?
Little Girl by Wil.I.Am. I came back to it recently — it's absolute summer energy. I love it.
Ethan
What's your ideal summer-in-Kits beverage?
Sun Tale margaritas.
What BC product are you loving right now?
The Syncromesh Riesling — it's a really nice off-dry wine.
Beach day, patio, or dinner with friends.. What are you bringing?
I'm really into sparkling wine right now, so I'd bring the Contratto Alta Langa sparkling wine from Italy.
Song currently on repeat?
Hotel California — funny enough, I've really been into it lately.
