Murray Lawlor

In 1970, Murray's first venture into business was a small neighbourhood café in Vancouver, where he also made fudge. A newspaper announcement of the opening of this business brought a welcoming visit from Charles Flavelle of Purdy's Chocolates. Murray opened Olde World Fudge in the Granville Island Market in 1979 and shortly thereafter joined RCI with the encouragement of Charles Flavelle. He then expanded his product line to include brittles, caramel
corns, hard candies and chocolates.

In 1981, Murray entered into partnership with a fellow with a strong business acumen. Together they expanded into many market sites across Canada and into Pike Place Market in Seattle. In total they opened approximately 15 Joint Venture Partnership stores under the name of Olde World Fudge. Murray sold his interest in this business to his partner and moved to Vancouver Island.

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Murray Lawlor

In1993, Murray started Coombs Country Candy in the Emporium in Coombs on Vancouver Island, another market-like location. Murray operated this site for 15 years. In 1994 Murray and his wife Lenore bought their current location in Port Alberni. This location was purchased as it was a deserted gas station and is strategically located on the route past Cathedral Grove and to Vancouver Islands Long Beach. Murray ran both locations for a number of years and since 2013 has concentrated his efforts on the Port Alberni location only.

Murray has taken his act on the road and cooked at many exhibitions and trade shows in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island for exposure and public/customer loyalties.

Murray sold the Coombs Country Candy store in 2020 to Community Futures and is now enjoying retirement and is looking forward to giving back to the community by his directorship in the Alberni Chamber of Commerce.