As Metro Vancouver says farewell to summer and prepares for Raincouver to return, some beloved restaurants have sadly closed their doors.
The recent closures span from longtime food businesses that have been in operation for several years to more than a decade. Some are also shutting down one of their multiple locations.
RIP to these food shops:
1. Castella Cake Robson
Castella Cheesecake has quietly closed its original downtown Vancouver location on Robson Street, a move not entirely surprising given that the unit had been listed for sale for several months.
Established in 2018, the bakery gained popularity for its light Japanese-style pastries, including Souffle Cheesecake and Molten Cheese Tarts.
While the downtown branch is now closed, Castella still operates locations in Richmond Centre, McArthurGlen Outlet, and Metrotown.
Read the full scoop here.
2. The Pie Shoppe (Closing soon)
Vancouver’s beloved The Pie Shoppe is closing after 12 years, with its final days in September featuring special pizza and pie nights.
Founded by sisters Andi and Stephanie, the eatery gained fame for its natural ingredients and community spirit.
Although their closure is bittersweet, the sisters look forward to new adventures ahead.
Read the full scoop here.
3. Daigyo Cafe
Daigyo Cafe, a matcha dessert spot in downtown Vancouver, has permanently closed after just over a year in business.
Co-owner Grace confirmed they are searching for a new location outside the downtown area. Fans can expect updates as the team looks to reopen in the future.
Read the full scoop here.
4. Hot Pot Palace
Hot Pot Palace in Richmond has permanently closed after seven years, following a controversial VIP card promotion and declining reputation.
The space will soon be taken over by Northern Style Chinese Restaurant, known for its beloved dumplings.
Excitement is growing among locals for this anticipated return.
Read the full scoop here.
5. Minus Boutique (retail)
Vancouver’s Minus Boutique, known for its viral dessert offerings, has closed its retail location after four years of operation as of September 8th.
Founded by Pastry Chef Sweki Chen, the shop gained popularity for its signature Minus Cup™, combining French-inspired desserts with refreshing beverages.
Although the retail space is gone, Minus Boutique will continue operating from a commissary kitchen, offering specialty cakes for events and celebrations.
Read the full scoop here.
6. The Flying Pig Olympic Village
The Flying Pig’s Olympic Village location has closed after a decade of serving West Coast comfort food, with its last service on September 1.
Other reports cited the restaurant had difficulties in securing a satisfactory lease agreement as the reason for its closure, joining the trend of Vancouver eateries struggling post-pandemic.
Patrons are encouraged to visit the remaining Yaletown location or the nearby sister restaurant, Ophelia.
Read the full scoop here.
7. Lucille’s
Lucille’s, a brunch spot in South Granville, has closed after just three months.
This closure follows the controversial history of its predecessor, Heirloom, which alienated diners with its menu changes.
The space is now up for sale, marking another shift in the neighbourhood.
Read the full scoop here.
8. Meet Oyster (Complete rebrand)
Richmond’s Meet Oyster has rebranded as Daimanya, a Japanese AYCE Izakaya, after struggling with its original oyster-focused concept.
The new menu features a variety of small plates, including sushi and hot dishes, with pricing set at $68 to $78.
Read the full scoop here.
9. AKD Kitchen
AKD Kitchen, a beloved ramen spot in New Westminster, closed its doors on August 25 after over four years.
The abrupt announcement left fans shocked, but the Langley location remains open.
AKD hinted at future projects, though no Vancouver plans are currently in the works.
Read the full scoop here.
10. Dinesty Lite
Dinesty Lite has quietly closed its doors in Richmond after less than two years of operation, marking the end of Blackball’s presence in the area.
Launched in 2022 by the popular Dinesty Dumpling House, the quick-service concept aimed to cater to busy professionals and families.
Read the full scoop here.
11. Jodeen Cafe
Jodeen Café in Burnaby, known for its Taiwanese wheel cakes, closed on August 31 after three years.
The café offered a variety of sweet and savory fillings, alongside bubble tea and coffee.
Read the full scoop here.
12. Boiling Point Main Street
The OG hot pot chain Boiling Point has closed its Vancouver location after six years, marking a sad farewell for many fans.
Originally opened in California in 2004, it expanded to Canada in 2010, becoming a local favourite.
Though the Main Street spot is gone, other locations in Richmond and Burnaby remain.
Read the full scoop here.
13. B House Richmond
Pho 37 has returned to its original location at Union Square in Richmond after the closure of B House, which lasted just eight months.
This brings Pho 37 to two locations in close proximity, providing a quieter alternative for pho lovers.
The change reflects ongoing shifts in the plaza’s dining scene.
Read the full scoop here.
14. Copa Cafe Richmond
Copa Café is closing its Richmond Oval location after nine years, with the last day of service set for September 23rd.
Known for its Hong Kong café classics, the chain has faced multiple closures recently.
The original Coquitlam location will remain open for customers.
Read the full scoop here.
15. Snack King Eatery Richmond
Snack King Eatery, a popular Richmond food stall known for its hand-pulled beef noodles, is upgrading to a full dine-in restaurant in Union Square.
They will take over the recently closed Deer Garden unit, with a grand opening planned for mid-September.
The stall will close for preparations.
Read the full scoop here.
16. Tacofino Gastown
Tacofino Gastown closed after a decade of operation, but it went out with a final party. Despite the closure, Tacofino plans to expand across the province.
Read the full scoop here.
17. Yushang Hot Pot
YuShang Hot Pot on West Broadway closed on August 31 after six years, a victim of fierce competition and Broadway Skytrain construction challenges.
Known for its unique individual hotpots and cultural decor, the restaurant encouraged customers to visit one last time before its final service.
Read the full scoop here.
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