Our Story

New Owners of Altas Cafe, Ryan and Carla Donnelly. The couple purchased Atlas Cafe in summer of 2025 after relocating to the Comox valley with their three teenaged boys. They bring a collective 30 plus years of F&B experience with them to the Atlas.

Atlas Café has always been shaped by people.

For more than 30 years, Atlas has been a gathering place in the heart of downtown Courtenay — a spot for morning coffees, long lunches, first dates, family dinners, late-night conversations, and familiar faces returning again and again. Generations of guests have made memories here, and that history means something to us.

Today, Atlas is entering a new chapter under the care of Ryan & Carla Donnelly and a passionate team who deeply believe in hospitality, community, and thoughtful food. While the spirit of Atlas remains grounded in warmth, approachability, and connection, our menus continue to evolve with a renewed focus on seasonal ingredients, local partnerships, and cooking that feels both comforting and inspired.

You will still find many of the dishes that made Atlas a local favourite — alongside new additions that reflect the creativity, experience, and direction of our kitchen today. Our goal is not to change what Atlas means to this community, but to thoughtfully grow with it.

We believe good restaurants become part of people’s lives.
A place you can rely on.
A place that feels genuine.
A place that welcomes everyone in.

Thank you for being part of the Atlas story — past, present, and what comes next.