Hot pot isn’t the only thing expanding around Metro Vancouver.
Grocery stores are having their moment too—and Smart N Save is making moves.
Our Noms Mag community (@withnatwong) spotted signs for Smart N Save opening its very first Burnaby location, and they’re setting up shop along Rumble Street (across from STEM Japanese Eatery) in the former 7-Eleven unit.
But this won’t just be your average grocery run—it is going to be the brand’s first combined grocery & cafe concept.
If the name rings a bell, that’s because Smart N Save has been offering Asian snacks since 2004.
Their OG location at Lansdowne Centre became a favourite for hard-to-find Southeast Asian goodies, affordable prices, and for some—being the quiet alternative to the chaos that is T&T.
And they’re not slowing down.
They’re also in the middle of opening a massive Richmond location inside the old Bed Bath & Beyond space above Marshalls at Garden City Plaza.
Now, let’s talk café.
If you were around during the mid-2010s, you might remember their HK-style café hidden in an industrial pocket of River Road.
More recently, they opened a compact version in Marine Gateway, serving up HK staples like curry fish balls, fish siu mai, and lo mein.
According to the staff at the Marine Drive cafe, the upcoming Burnaby location will have a limited HK snacks offering.
The store’s exterior signage already teases curry fish balls and ice lemon tea.
The staff did say that the food part will be very limited in options, less than what they have right now at the Marine Drive cafe and it will also be take out only.
But it should be adequate for those strolling down the aisles of snacks.
The staff did mention that the store is slated to open around mid April, which is some serious speed.
Oh, and the Burnaby Royal Oak area isn’t done yet.
With a new Hannam Supermarket also on the way, the neighbourhood’s about to become a serious grocery battleground.
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: 7600 Royal Oak & Rumble, Burnaby, BC V5J 4K3