The challenging economic conditions continue to take their toll on Metro Vancouver’s food scene.
And unfortunately, we have another sad announcement to share today. (tip from community member @likebyregina)
Ki Cafe, a beloved Burnaby spot that’s been around for the past 10 years, has announced that it will be closing its doors “temporarily”.
Ki Cafe first opened back in 2014 and made a name for itself as Metro Vancouver’s very own anime cafe.
With shelves of manga, rows of anime figures, and its whimsical Totoro forest-inspired decor, the cafe is a haven for anime enthusiasts.
And of course, their delicious Japanese-inspired food items like omurice, parfaits, waffles, and bubble tea made it even more special. (Who could forget that iconic washroom key attached to a ninja kunai?)
On November 28, Ki Cafe made a shocking announcement via Instagram, stating they would be closing indefinitely starting December 9.
The post described the economic challenges they faced but also hinted at an opportunity for reinvention.
They shared that this closure will be a chance to reassess and improve the Ki Cafe experience that their community has come to love.
Despite the closure, the Ki Cafe team is planning to keep the magic alive through special events during the closure period, promising ways for their community to stay connected and celebrate the cafe’s spirit.
The owners are embracing this as a chance for growth and change, while remaining hopeful for the future.
While the physical location will be closed, Ki Cafe aims to keep its followers updated every step of the way, with hopes of reopening in the future and bringing back the familiar comforts of the space.
This news is bittersweet, as Ki Cafe carries a lot of nostalgic weight for the community after 10 years of memories.
While we say goodbye for now, the promise of a reinvented Ki Cafe in the future gives us hope.
Ki Cafe is joining other longtime food spots like Autostrada on Main, Richmond Bubble World, JJ Bean’s Shack, and Davie Dosa Company which has either shuttered or announced their closure in the last two months.
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: 6888 Royal Oak, Burnaby BC