What happens when a metal shop teacher and a social worker want a change of pace? If you're Jason and Heather Levecque, you open a bike cafe. What began as a leap of faith quickly evolved into something bigger: a pair of community anchors in Terrace, BC. The Fix Cafe and Cyclery—and now The Fairlie—are more than just great spots for coffee. They're places where people feel seen, supported, and welcome.
Jason and Heather never planned to become entrepreneurs. Jason was a metalwork teacher until a rare lung disease, sarcoidosis, led to multiple collapsed lungs, major surgery, and the end of his teaching career. Heather, meanwhile, was working in her dream job as a social worker—but the emotional toll was mounting, and burnout was looming. They both knew something had to shift.
"Jason was like, 'You know what? Fuck it. I like bikes. I'm going to take a bike mechanic course,'" says Heather.
So they made a bold move: open a bike and coffee shop. It felt simple—combine their passions and skills to build a space where people could gather. And just like that, The Fix Cafe and Cyclery was born.
From day one, The Fix stood out. With Jason's knack for mechanics and Heather's gift for connecting with people, the shop quickly became a local hub. Their business model is smart and grounded—ride the high season of biking and balance it with the year-round love of good coffee. It's a space that brings people in for the bikes, but keeps them coming back for the atmosphere.
Jason's mechanical background and experience in fabrication and education give him a unique edge in a rapidly evolving bike industry. Today's bikes are more complex than ever, and customers expect precision. Jason delivers, whether it's for a custom build or a tricky repair.
Rather than stocking dozens of bikes, The Fix takes a thoughtful, rider-specific approach. They help people choose the right bike for their needs, then order it in—keeping overhead low while offering personalized service. It's a model that works, backed by a solid team of experienced mechanics and a focus on quality.
Less than two years after opening, they expanded. The Fairlie opened its doors in Terrace's historic train station. While The Fix is rooted in bike culture, The Fairlie is all about creating a welcoming space for the wider community. It's hosted everything from wedding dinners and nonprofit AGMs to artist residencies and tea parties. And Heather has more ideas brewing—murder mystery nights, storytelling events, and creative gatherings that offer something deeper than a typical night out.
"We do some of it already; it's just not as frequent as I want it to be," she says.
The Fairlie also offers off-site catering for weddings and events—another way the team is meeting a need in the local scene.
Heather brings her background in social work into every aspect of the business, from her leadership style to her interactions with guests. Despite juggling a lot, she's always focused on creating spaces that are inclusive, imaginative, and community-first. Both cafés prioritize cultural safety, acceptance, and belonging.
"It doesn't matter who they are, we make sure that anybody who walks into any of our spaces feels welcome and special," she says.
Heather's intuitive, flexible approach balances Jason's more structured style.
"Jason likes to have systems in place. He likes things to be very black and white," says Heather. "I'm a social worker; I'm like, 'Well, what's the problem? Okay, give me three solutions.'"
That balance also shows up in how they lead their team, trusting staff, encouraging autonomy, and giving them the space to learn through hands-on experience.
"People need the opportunity to fail. They'll learn so much about themselves and what they're capable of," says Heather.
Their commitment to serving the community extends beyond their own walls. They regularly donate to causes they believe in—like youth programs and trail building—and have built giving right into their operations. At The Fix, customers can tip toward TORCA, the local trail advocacy group, at checkout.
"We've only had the tip system in place for two months and have already raised over $500 for TORCA," says Heather.
After three whirlwind years of opening, expanding, and renovating, Jason and Heather are now looking to refine their operations. Plans include launching a bulk coffee refill station, expanding events at The Fairlie, and growing their support for grassroots initiatives. It's not about growth for growth's sake—it's about doing more of what matters.
What started as a way to escape burnout has evolved into something much bigger. Through grit, creativity, and a whole lot of heart, Heather and Jason have built more than just businesses. They've built places that reflect their values—community, connection, and care.
Whether it's through bikes, coffee, or creating space for others, they're showing what local entrepreneurship can look like when it's rooted in love for the people it serves.