Room to Shine Spotlight Series — Introducing Kate Lidguard
Get ready to meet the heart and soul of Kamloops in our Room to Shine Spotlight Series! Each month, we’re pulling back the curtain to celebrate the incredible individuals who make this city what it is today. From leading visionaries to the behind-the-scenes heroes, these stories will dive into the grit, passion, and genuine spirit that keep Kamloops shining bright. So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s shine a light on what makes this place unforgettable—its people.
Kamloops’ food scene is growing fast—and if you’ve been to Yew Street Food Hall, chances are you’ve already experienced the passion and energy of Kate Lidguard.
As the General Manager of Yew Street Food Hall and Smashville Burger Bar, and co-owner of Taco Alley and Fizz & Froth Co., Kate is helping redefine how Kamloops eats, drinks, and gathers. With a love for bringing people together and a serious knack for innovation, she’s creating spaces that are as dynamic as they are delicious.
TK: Tell us a bit about your journey. How did you get your start in tourism?
Kate’s story begins where many great ones do—in a restaurant.
“I started in the tourism industry by working in local restaurants. That experience gave me a strong foundation in hospitality, customer service, and the fast-paced nature of the food and beverage sector.”
But it wasn’t until she faced a life-changing moment that she decided to go all in.
“When my grandmother passed away, I received an inheritance, and that became the catalyst for starting my first business. I saw it as an opportunity to create a sustainable income stream while doing something I was passionate about,” Kate shares.
That passion has since grown into a collection of ventures that bring energy, flavour, and creativity to Kamloops’ culinary culture.
TK: What brought you back to Kamloops?
“I was born and raised in Kamloops. I lived in the UK for 11 years and moved back with my husband and children in 2011. We wanted a slower pace of life and to be back with my family,” Kate says.
That connection to place and people is a common thread in everything Kate builds—community-first, experience-rich, and unmistakably Kamloops.
TK: What keeps you excited about your work?
Independence, creativity, and the chance to leave a lasting impact are what fuel her day in and day out. And with each new venture, she’s raising the bar.
“I’m driven by the desire to create a memorable experience—businesses that bring people together through food, drink, and shared experiences. I love the challenge of building and growing ideas, constantly evolving.”
TK: What’s next on the horizon?
“To keep growing the businesses I work with!” Kate shares. “There is nothing like Yew Street Food Hall anywhere in Kamloops. Having eight locally owned businesses in one venue is pretty special.”
From hosting diverse vendors under one roof to launching mobile tap services, Kate is showing what’s possible when you combine entrepreneurial drive with a strong local vision.
TK: Favourite way to spend a Kamloops day off?
“Hanging out with my favourite people on a beach or in the mountains.”
Whether she's hard at work or soaking in nature, Kate lives and breathes everything this region has to offer.
TK: What makes Kamloops special in your eyes?
“The people and businesses working together to make Kamloops a destination.”
There’s no denying that Kamloops is a community that shows up for each other—and Kate is a shining example of what that looks like in action.
“We are lucky to be surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers making it easy to enjoy everything the area has to offer,” Kate says.
With every dish served and every business launched, Kate Lidguard is building more than just successful ventures—she’s helping craft a Kamloops experience that’s vibrant, community-focused, and full of flavour. Her commitment to collaboration and creativity is a driving force behind the city’s evolving food culture.
Whether you’re grabbing tacos with friends, sipping a craft beverage from a mobile tap trailer, or exploring the collective energy of Yew Street Food Hall, you’re tasting the impact of someone who truly believes in what Kamloops can be.
Kate’s just getting started—and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Beth Taylor
