Romeo’s – Stephanie Peter & Natalie Johnny

Romeo's - Stephanie Peter & Natalie Johnny

Born into a rich heritage deeply rooted in the Cowichan Tribes, with ancestry from the Tsartlip, Esquimalt, and Stzuminus First Nations, Stephanie Peter’s early life was shaped by both immense love and heartbreaking loss. Her mother passed away just before her 6th birthday, leaving her to be raised in an environment where she was encouraged to follow her dreams and and her love for reading and learning was nurtured. Driven to challenge the stereotypes of low expectations and harness the power of inter-generational cycle resilience, Stephanie focused on achieving success in both education and her career. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Victoria and a Master’s of Education from Queen’s University, initially aspiring to become a teacher. However, her path eventually shifted as she entered the non-profit sector, where she developed leadership and community-building skills while serving her community through various roles in non-profits, First Nations government, and provincial government.

A significant shift came when a family-owned franchise restaurant, Romeo’s, became available for sale in her community. Located in Duncan, BC, Romeo’s had been a beloved local landmark for over 50 years, known for its delicious blend of Italian and Greek dishes, and particularly famous for its incredible pizza. Her daughter, Natalie, began as a dishwasher and gradually took on more responsibilities, eventually moving to the front of the house. Natalie had built a strong relationship with the retiring owners and their dedicated staff. Driven by a desire to preserve those relationships and create a stable future for her daughter Stephanie, Natalie and their business partners, made the bold decision to become the new operators of the franchise restaurant. Her family’s restaurant experience, coupled with her own skills in contract and finance management and her ability to source and apply for grants, gave her the confidence to take the plunge. Together with Natalie, they navigated the challenges of running the restaurant, ensuring Romeo’s legacy continued while also creating opportunities for growth.

Working closely with her family has been one of Stephanie’s greatest joys, especially watching Natalie grow into a capable young business owner. In addition to focusing on  family, shegives back to the community by hiring First Nations employees and supporting local initiatives. Stephanie finds deep fulfillment in knowing her efforts help support local families through inclusive hiring practices, and by donating equipment and food for cultural events.

Despite facing significant challenges, including renovating and maintaining an aging building, Stephanie persevered with the help of the NEDC, her family, and a strong commitment to community. Her story embodies resilience, the power of community, and staying true to one’s vision to build a lasting legacy.

Photo credits: Devon Gillott