SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Cameron Davis wasn’t always so enthusiastic about the food industry.
His family has owned and operated Gentleman Jim’s in Summerside for the last 35 years and Davis was raised in the industry.
“I was basically born into the business. My family’s been in it for over 50 years.”
When Davis was in his pre-teens, he bussed tables for his parents.
“I was always a shy kid. I didn’t like talking to strangers.”
Davis attended Dalhousie University in Halifax for accounting, but returned home and to his job at the restaurant in the summers and began serving.
“When I started serving, I really came out of my shell.”
Although Davis pursued a career in accounting, the thought of his running own restaurant remained in the back of his mind.
“I always wondered what it would be like to go back and make it my own.”
Fast forward and Davis, 30, now owns The Sunset Room, formerly known as the Lobster House.
“This opportunity fell into my lap. When I came down to the property, I knew I had to try.”
The Sunset Room has a relaxing vibe with a new menu.
“We’re trying to create a comfortable atmosphere. Our chef, Maurice Crowther has designed the menu. There’s nothing on there that I wouldn’t recommend myself.”
To operate a restaurant, Davis plays many roles in keeping everything in order.
“I do whatever I can. I manage the place, I serve, I do all the accounting. I do everything but cook.”
Davis is the sole owner of the Sunset Room, but that doesn’t mean he isn't without help.
“My family has been so supportive. My sister, Chelsey, has experience tending a bar and she came all the way from B.C. for the summer to help. My father has almost 40 years of experience in the industry. Any time I have any questions he’s the person I can go to.”
Along with the restaurant, Davis is venturing into the wedding hosting business, with over 20 bookings for the season.
“The former owners have made this transition very easy. They established this place as a wedding venue, and we want to continue.”
One thing that’s surprised him about weddings, when compared to the restaurant, is the stability.
“With weddings, everything is ordered already, you don’t get too many surprises. But with the restaurant, there are so many variables. It’s different from day to day.”
The most surprising thing about owning a restaurant is the unpredictability, said Davis.
“I make a to do list for the next day every night. Sometimes, I’ll have to throw it out. So many things can pop up during the day, I just roll with it. Everything is a surprise.”
Davis said he hopes to make the Sunset Room a place where locals and tourists alike can have a good time.
“I want to make this place an attraction for Summerside, a place that draws people in. I hope we can show what we have to offer here. Summerside should be a destination for people to come to.”
The Sunset Room can be found on Facebook at The Sunset Room at the Shipyard or online www.peisunsetroom.com