In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Hans Birker

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Germany and moved to Oyama when I was 10-years-old. I returned to Kelowna after University and a year abroad. I have lived in Kelowna since 1989.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Germany.  My oldest daughter is there on an internship right now.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakeview Market because it’s local and friendly.

What is your favourite activity?
Volleyball

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers!

What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Paul’s Tomb on Knox Mountain.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My children being born, that was very inspiring.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going fishing.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Coaching

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More peace, less war.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Playing volleyball

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Continued emphasis on culture and sport and recreational opportunities. I’m really excited to see the development of the rails for trails connecting Kelowna to Vernon in a highly eco-friendly manner.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Peace

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was born left-handed but converted by nuns.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Bohemian Café & Catering Co

What does your business do?
We are a full-service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch and full-service catering for any and all meals.

How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
I’m terrible at this part, but I have a Facebook account which I don’t look at very often. You can find the Bohemian Cafe Facebook page here.

Where can people find your business online?
Bohemiancater.com

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love the food industry.  I worked in a restaurant while travelling in Perth, Australia and fell in love with the rushes in a restaurant.  Came back to Kelowna in the late 80’s and there were no jobs, so we created our own.

What is the goal of your business?
To keep providing an excellent, sustainable place to provide great food and atmosphere for guests.  To feed the public, our employees and our family.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I’d rather focus on the positive.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
It would be different, but having the benefit of hindsight is not really an option.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It keeps the economic wheel spinning most efficiently.

Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My wife, Terri, because she motivates me to no end.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Joey Hertz from the Kelowna Paddle Club

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!