In this episode, Jim and Eric sit down in studio with Debbie Vaillancourt Higgins, owner and operator of Opus Café and Catering in Cherry Brook, Dartmouth. What starts as a conversation about coffee and catering quickly becomes something much deeper.

Debbie shares the heartfelt story behind Opus — a café born from her mother’s dream and built as a true labour of love. Located inside the historic former Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children building, Opus has become more than just a place to grab breakfast. It’s a safe, welcoming space where conversations happen, community groups gather, reunions unfold, and healing takes place.

From hosting men’s support circles and church groups to catering weddings and providing meals for families in need, Debbie explains why Opus isn’t “hers” — it belongs to the community. With refillable coffee meant to extend conversations and an intentional no-TV policy to encourage connection, this café proves that small spaces can create big impact.

The episode also includes one of Jim and Eric’s signature hot takes — this time tackling the question: Are fixer-uppers still a good deal, or are buyers walking into financial traps?

Whether you’re passionate about community building, curious about the power of small local businesses, or just looking for a place that serves more than coffee, this episode is packed with warmth, insight, and heart.

👉 Visit Opus Café at 18 Wilfred Jackson Way, Dartmouth