If you saw the massive lineups outside Pablo Cheese Tart last weekend, this news is going to feel like a shock.
Just days after a seemingly successful comeback, the Broadway dessert shop has announced it is closing.
The closure is immediate, with the final service taking place today (Friday) and “possibly but not guaranteed” tomorrow (Saturday).
It is a tragic end to a rollercoaster few months.
Earlier this month, we reported that the shop had finally reopened after being dark for nearly three months.
They even hosted a viral pop-up with a Japanese warabimochi brand that sold out daily, making it look like things were back maybe on track.
But behind the scenes, the reality was much darker.
The franchise owner, Raymond, took to Instagram to share the gut-wrenching reason for the closure.
He revealed that he was the victim of a car accident in August where someone allegedly ran a red light, leaving him injured and forcing the initial three-month shutdown.
Because he is the sole operator, the business simply couldn’t run without him.
He tried to reopen recently to save the shop, but stated he was only “60% recovered” and physically unable to keep up with the daily operations needed to survive.
The most frustrating part for many locals will be the financial context.
Raymond highlighted the harsh reality of BC’s “Enhanced Care” auto insurance model.
Under the current no-fault rules that were made into effect in May 2021, he explained that “the law does not allow you to sue the at fault driver for any damages,” leaving him with no way to recover the massive losses from the closure.
Before the accident, the business was managing to stay afloat and break even.
However, the debt from the forced three-month pause was ultimately too much to overcome.
Raymond says he will now take a break to heal before figuring out his next steps.
If you want to say goodbye and support him one last time, you need to head there immediately.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 511 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC