Linda Hines has been working in the restaurant business since she was 10 years old, growing up in a family that owned an eatery in Parksville.

Cutting her teeth in the food industry at such a young age, exposed Linda to all the business has to offer — and even a close relationship with her family.

“My mentor was and still is my father, ‘Captain Jim’,” Linda says. “He has taught me everything I know about the restaurant business.

“He is the best teacher anyone could ever have.”

Captain Jim’s restaurant was a mainstay in the city for some 22 years. When Linda married her husband Sean, she says the decision to take over the establishment from her dad was an easy one.

Four and a half years ago, she and Sean opened Bugsy’s Bar & Grill.

“It’s in my blood,” says Linda. “It’s what I do best.

“I love a challenge — especially with creating new menus and new dishes.”

Linda has tackled that challenge head-on recently, with the announcement of a new menu at Bugsy’s.

“We like to change things up every once in a while,” Linda says. “We keep everyone’s favourite dishes and add new ones to give them new favourites.”

Additional changes include a new menu for seniors and a new delivery and take-out menus with three-for-one price pizzas.

“It’s the same great pizza,” she says, “just new great prices.”

In addition to monthly specials, great staff and family support, Linda says running Bugsys is an amazing experience.

In her spare time, Linda operates another business in town and she is on the Ballenas parents advisory council. Sean is well known as the head coach of the Ballenas Whalers high school football team and Linda acts as treasurer for the Whalers’ Support Society.

They have been with the team for 10 years and remain involved with their own kids’ sports activities.

With close to 20 employees at Bugsy’s, including nine who have been with them since day one, Bugsy’s has a great team, Linda says.

“We like trying new things to keep our customers with new items to try. We have a great staff that we enjoy working with that keep our customers coming back.”

To that end, Linda says Bugsy’s offers a wide selection of tastes, great prices and large portions — and of course, the 16-inch pizza.

Keep their business fresh, Linda says Bugsy’s offers special menus for all size groups, and they cater as well.

“From your bridge group luncheons, to your wedding night reception, Bugsy’s can do it all,” Linda says. “Christmas parties book fast, so don’t forget to book quickly.”

Bugsy’s Bar & Grill is located at 332 West Island Highway in Parksville. Call 250-248-4545.