We’ve got some bad news to share…
Finch’s Tea House, known for its delicious sandwiches and cozy cafe vibes, has recently quietly closed its doors after twenty years of service.
The tea house opened back in 2004 on West Pender Street and quickly became a local favourite.
For years, you’d often seen lines out the door during lunchtime (we’ve been in those lines).
Its reputation is was known throughout the downtown crowd for its exceptional sandwiches like Pear Baguette and Prosciutto sandwich and top-notch cookie.
However, the past few years have presented a lot of challenges for Finch’s.
From rising operational costs to ongoing vandalism, and the impacts of the pandemic have severely affected the cafe.
I’ve been putting this off for three years, trying to stabilize things…but since 2020 Finch’s has been struggling to stay open because of the pandemic & inflation…and there is no way to dig ourselves out of the crazy debt this caused, and still do what we do.
Finch’s Sheryl Matthew on December 11, 2023
Construction on Homer Street next to Finch’s location added to the struggle, with debris causing damage to the property.
These issues combined in overwhelming debt, prompting a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to save the beloved downtown spot.
Despite these efforts, and raising just over $15,000 of the intended GoFundMe $90,000 goal, the cafe on West Pender Street has ceased operations.
We found no formal announcement or update on Finch’s social media, Google Business profile or website about the closure.
A post by a customer on Instagram shared a on March 22, 2023 of a sandwich board located outside the cafe stating that it was their last day of service.
Back in December 2023, a post by Finch’s indicated that the building of the West Pender location is expected to be torn down.
With the failed GoFundMe and remaining debt, it is uncertain whether Finch’s will be relocating.
While the original Finch’s Tea House may have closed, its market-cafe location on E Georgia St. continues to operate.
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Address: 353 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T1