Name: Syd Clark

Title: Owner

Organization/Business: Menu Skateboard Shop

Social: @menuskateshop

 

What do you do and how did you get here?

I started off as a sponsored skateboarder by Etnies and RDS (Red Dragon Skateboards) in the late 90’s. A few later, I secured a job with RDS that involved a lot of travel.  About 6 years ago, I felt the need to change my direction and realized that this neighbourhood was a perfect place to open my own skate shop using all the experience and knowledge I had gained.

 

What inspired the name and concept?

We came up with a number of different names to call the shop. I love food and cooking and eating out, especially in Gastown the name MENU felt right – even though it is a unique name for a skate shop.

 

If you had 15 minutes only, in Gastown, how would you spend it?

I would go to Milano and get a coffee, hit The Diamond for a beverage then L’abattoir for Happy Hour! That would be a perfect 15 minutes in Gastown. I’d also want to fit some shopping in there somehow.

 

What do you love about the neighbourhood?

I love how different Gastown looks in each season. With many beautiful old buildings and big trees as a backdrop, it’s cool to observe the changes that occur within each cycle. The streets transform throughout the day depending on where the light falls. There’s the Gastown you experience during the day and the one at night – both quite unique. I live in Gastown and everything is within walking distance. As I mentioned, I used to travel quite a lot so it’s wonderful to have a life that has shrunk down to fit nicely into this great little neighbourhood.

 

What’s your most memorable happy moment or experience in Gastown?

A big one was hitting our 5-year anniversary. It coincided with our move into the new space here in The Magazin Building. It was exciting as it felt like a new beginning.

 

What’s your philosophy for a good life?

Everything in moderation. Eating, drinking and having fun – whether that includes skateboarding or whatever keeps you active.

 

Anything exciting coming up for Menu?

We will be planning a big skateboard contest this summer near the middle to the end of August. It will be our 3rd year as major sponsor and organizer. The event will bring together skaters from all over the Lower Mainland and there will be plenty of prizes for those competing. It should be a lot of fun.