When Craig Prystays family bought the Sands hotel at Davie and Denman in 1975, his first boss was Jana Zadera. She was a waitress in the coffee shop, he was her teenaged busboy.
Thirty-eight years later, Prystay was hosting a retirement lunch for Zadera, who, after 40 years and more than a million cups of coffee, is saying goodbye to a place that is like my home.
Last Friday was also Zaderas 70th birthday and, if you ever want a reason to work until you are 70, you only have to look at her. Shes beautiful.
She has never been late or called in sick, says Prystay, whos now president of the familys company, RPB Hotels and Resorts. The restaurant has to open at seven in the morning and shes the one who starts the day. By seven shes made the coffee, put the creamers out, got the music on, turned up the lights and unlock the doors. Ive never had to worry.
He pauses. Tomorrow Ill worry.
Zadera moved to the West End 40 years ago and has been working in the hotel restaurant ever since. It used to be located across from where the lobby is today, known for years as Checkers until the name changed to the Park at English Bay as part of an overall hotel renovation and upgrade last year.
She knows her customers, says Rose, a long-time customer and friend whos known for her love of Elvis. A few years ago, the hotel changed from glass to ceramic cups. Jadera, knowing that Rose preferred the glass cup, kept some for her and even heats the cup up before pouring in the coffee.
When customers come in, Im helping them. I like to see them, says Jadera.
Shes famous here, says Hoppy Li who, despite retiring from the Sands years ago, likes to keep coming back to visit the friends who work there, many of whom, like him and Jadera, worked there for decades.
As well as being loyal and dedicated, Prystay says Jadera has been a joy to be with.
As to her plans for retirement, Jadera says, Plans I will make next week.
