What’s the buzz?

Hot Shots is a hot spot for good reason

Troy Verdenhalven and Sherry Jackson, owners of Hot Shots, were presented with their award for most improved image by Keith Powell, publisher of Kootenay Business magazine. — Kris Lindblad photo

Sitting at a table right by the doorway, one encounters a busy scene. The sound of conversation erupts from every corner as people enjoy each other’s company over a delicious meal or drink. There are newspapers here and there, and television screens flash with news, cartoons or sports. Over the counter, cups and glasses are being filled; on the other side, dishes clatter as they are swirled and washed in steaming water.

If you did not know who they were, you would look right at Sherry Jackson and Troy Verdenhalven and ask if you could speak to the owner. He is dressed in jeans and a black shirt, like the rest of his staff. He is also delivering coffee. She has wet hands and an apron around her waist—and is doing the dishes. The two are the proud owners of the multi-award-winning Hot Shots Cappuccino & Fresh Food Bar. A name that has been on Cranbrookians' lips for 11 years, Hot Shots has become one of the city's most popular eateries, and it moved to a brand new location in 2010. The establishment serves a variety of coffees, teas and other beverages; food-wise, patrons can order such items as soups, sandwiches and wraps, or choose from the Lemon Grass Thai menu.

Recognized for excellence

Most recently, the thriving business was honoured with the Most Improved Business Image Award and the Company of the Year Award (1 - 15 employees) at the Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce's Evening of Excellence. Koocanusa Publications, the publisher of Kootenay Business magazine, is the sponsor of the Most Improved Business Image Award.

So what does it take to win such an award? A personal touch, perhaps. Every menu item at Hot Shots is an expression of the passion Jackson has for the culinary arts. She regularly travels to enhance her knowledge and skills of Thai cuisine to continue to expand the menu; the authentic taste of Hot Shots' food is a testament to both her study and her creativity. Regulars—who are known by name in this friendly restaurant—have the privilege of walking in on any given night and tasting the ideas she may be developing behind the scenes.

"(Our customers' opinions are) the truest form on how well we are doing, a true gauge of what's new and upcoming," said Jackson. "I can trust them for their honest feedback, which I really appreciate."

Building on success

Hot Shots' success could also be attributed to Jackson's and Verdenhalven's commitment, hard work and concrete goals. Jackson said she and Verdenhalven have had a vision to be an anchor business in Cranbrook, to be a part of the community.

"We want to be here," said Jackson. "We’re excited about the different things that are coming through and we want to be involved in (the community's) growth and progress in whatever way we can."

This commitment is evident in Hot Shots' history. Hot Shots began as a small café in Cranbrook's Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort & Convention Centre and has grown into a staple business in the city. The restaurant's new home, adjacent to the TD Bank along Victoria Avenue, is as much Jackson's and Verdenhalven's handiwork as the menu is. The beauty and comfort that the more spacious location offers is the product of the pair's time and effort. Even the insulation and heating bear the owners' signatures. But Jackson said they aim to be not just a business, but to "really invest in the people and the various charities here." In addition to contributing door prizes to local fundraisers, Hot Shots is a regular donor to the United Way, supplying the organization with coffee during the farmers markets.

Quite possibly, it is integrity that is the key to Hot Shots receiving these awards.

"Our coffee has always been 100 per cent fair trade, organic—we have always been committed to that," said Jackson. "Even from the start, the integrity of where our coffee comes from is something we were not willing to compromise."

When you put all these qualities together, it's easy to see that these two Business Excellence Awards will be right at home at Hot Shots, with Jackson and Verdenhalven.