If you walked past Commercial Drive recently and saw the papered-up windows, you likely feared the worst.
The Drive Canteen has officially cleared out its space, and for a moment, it looked like they had quietly vanished.
However, we now have confirmation that this isn’t a permanent goodbye.
While the “Ghosting” rumours were swirling due to their main account going dark, a new announcement has clarified the situation.
The team has confirmed they have vacated the 1111 Commercial Drive unit.
But the brand is not dead.
In August, the owners revealed that they are actively looking for a new location, ideally remaining right here in the neighbourhood.
They are seeking a spot “back on the Drive,” hoping to reopen their unique concept in a new home.
This is a massive relief for locals who have come to rely on them as a community hub.
Since opening in 2021, The Drive Canteen became famous for being a “safe space” for everyone—from families grabbing “Vancouver Glizzies” (hot dogs) to those exploring the sober lifestyle.
They were pioneers in the city’s zero-proof movement, offering one of the first dedicated non-alcoholic bottle shops in B.C..
It was also the only place you could find house-made freeze-dried candy experiments and a pet section for your dog in the same trip.
Currently, the storefront is empty and listed as permanently closed on Google.
But if their hunt for real estate goes well, we might see the yellow branding return sooner than expected.
For now, though, the shelves are bare and the lights are off.
The Drive Canteen now joins a growing list of recent closures in the city, following the exits of Bar Haifa, Coo Coo Coffee, and Chewies.
We will keep an eye out to see if they resurface.
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: 1111 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3