Jane moved to the Yukon after spending almost ten years in Edmonton. She came with her family, and now her kids, aged 10 and 13, are growing up surrounded by nature and the warmth of a small town.
One of the people who helped build that sense of community is Grace Mendez. She started Grime Stoppers, a cleaning business, back in 2000. Over the years, it became an important service in Haines Junction. But Grace also had a love for cooking and a dream to support local youth. So she joined forces with Jane and Grace’s aunt, Joy, to take over Frosty’s, a well-loved restaurant known for its great food and for giving young people their first jobs.
Now, they are working on something new. The basement of Frosty’s is being turned into a commercial kitchen for a food business called Kusina Gracia. They also hope to open a year-round café. This is just the beginning of their next chapter.
Together, Jane and Grace are creating more than just a place to eat. They are building opportunity, one meal and one young worker at a time.
A Quick Q&A with Jane and Grace
What are you listening to these days?
Jane: I like BTS, country music, and religious songs.
Grace: Mostly country music on Spotify!
What’s something you look forward to every year?
Jane: Spring Break. We try to go away, sometimes even leave the country if we can.
Grace: When my three university-age kids come home in the spring. I love when they’re all together again.
What do you always do when someone visits from out of town?
Jane: We eat Filipino food, and if the weather is good, we go camping at Congdon Creek.
Grace: We always share a good meal. Usually Filipino food!
Can you name a Yukoner who has inspired you?
Jane: Grace! When she bought Top Spot, I was still in Edmonton managing a gas station. She needed a manager, and by January 2017, we had moved here.
Grace: My Aunt Joy. She is kind, wise, and thoughtful. She’s helped me grow in business and in life.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Jane: I’d love to be able to do everything at once.
Grace: I already multitask a lot, so I’d choose to not feel so tired—and to be more patient.
What real-life superpowers do you already have?
Jane: Definitely multitasking. I help run Frosty’s and Top Spot. My husband Christian and I bought Grime Stoppers from Grace in 2018. He runs the day-to-day, and I do the scheduling.
Grace: I think empathy is my strength. I try to understand what people are going through and what they need. It helps me lead with care and kindness.
Jane and Grace are showing what’s possible when people come together with a shared dream. Their work is creating new chances for young people, bringing great food to the community, and keeping the spirit of Haines Junction strong.