It looks like a longtime Vancouver coffee favourite is finally bringing donuts back into the mix.
Back in November, one of our Noms Mag community members (@dinevancity) spotted signs for a mysterious JJ Bean-branded donut shop going up underneath Barry’s in Downtown Vancouver.
At the time, JJ Bean CEO John Neate told us to circle back once things progressed.
And now, after the usual long wait on city permits, Neate Donuts has quietly opened inside the old Assembli unit at 1066 W Hastings Street.
Inside, the vibe feels cozy and elevated with tropical pink wallpaper, a polished pastry case, sleek wood accents, and big globe chandeliers adding a retro-glam touch.
It’s the kind of spot where you could camp out with a coffee and a book for hours.
At the front, you’ll find a lineup of donuts made fresh every morning with real fruit and quality ingredients – paying tribute to JJ Bean founder F.J. Neate and his wife Ella, who originally offered coffee and donuts around Vancouver back in the 1940s.
Their daily flavours include classics like Glazed, Chocolate Glazed, Raspberry Glazed, Boston Cream, and Apple Fritters, alongside gluten-friendly options like the Triple Chocolate Cake.
They’re also rolling out seasonal flavours like Lavender Earl Grey and Pistachio.
We popped in (anonymously, as usual) and snagged a Pistachio donut and an iced latte.
Sadly, the exclusive Benny & The Donut – a poached egg and smoked meat wrapped in malasada dough – was not available during our visit, but that pistachio donut seriously hit the spot.
Fluffy, fresh, and not overly sweet – exactly what you’d hope for from a donut shop tied to a coffee legend.
Aside from donuts, they have all your usual caffeinated and noncaffeinated drinks you’d expect at a JJ Bean.
At the counter, staff handed us an info card announcing their Grand Opening week from May 5–10.
Special deals include:
- 6 donuts for $15 or 12 donuts for $24 (Monday to Thursday)
- 23% off gift cards with purchases over $20 (Friday and Saturday)
On the back of the info card it had an offer where if you grab a coffee, you’ll also snag a free donut.
We assume this info card is only around during the soft open so not everyone will be lucky.
For now, Neate Donuts is open 7AM–3PM on weekdays and 8AM–3PM on weekends.
They’re steps from the seawall and Convention Centre, making it an easy grab-and-go stop if you’re heading out for a walk downtown.
Between the nostalgia, the attention to quality, and the bright new space, Neate Donuts feels like a full-circle moment for the JJ Bean story.
And it’s a delicious new addition to the city’s donut scene.
Will you be grabbing a Benny Donut or sticking to a classic glazed?
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Address: 1066 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC