Save On Meats owner sued by Vancouver Community College
Vancouver Community College is suing Mark Brand Inc. for not living up to partnership agreement
The company owned by the entrepreneur behind the landmark Save On Meats business in Vancouver is being sued by Vancouver Community College over allegations of a contract breach and misuse of funds.
In 2012 Mark Brand Incorporated approached VCC and the City of Vancouver with a proposal to build the "Vancouver Incubator Kitchen", or "VIK" at the Save on Meats store on West Hastings Street, according to court documents.
The idea was VCC students would get a place to learn to cook, while community groups and non-profits would be granted use of the facilities for food preparation.
Court documents filed by VCC claim the college put up $300-thousand, and the City of Vancouver and Mark Brand Inc. were to contribute another $100-thousand each, for a total project funding of $500 thousand.
In a notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court Sept. 11, VCC is seeking damages alleging Mark Brand Inc. is in breach of contract on multiple fronts, including using funds for purposes other than VIK, not buying agreed upon equipment and not contributing its share of the money to project.
Mark Brand on behalf of Mark Brand Inc. has yet to reply to CBC's request for an interview.
The City of Vancouver says it is reviewing the lawsuit and is concerned by the college's claims.