Richmond’s vibrant food scene has hit a rough patch, with the rising costs of commercial leases casting a shadow over local eateries.
And the city will no doubt see more closures as the result.
This week we spotted the closure of Hot Oden, a Japanese oden specialty spot located in the Continental Shopping Centre.
Hot Oden, a chain with over 200 locations worldwide, made its British Columbia debut back in October 2021.
It is a haven for oden lovers, offering a diverse menu with 40 different items to customize your bowl.
Favourites included the golden corn fish cake, curly fish cake, and the classic daikon radish, alongside a mini self-serve bar for adding seaweed and bonito flakes.
The ambiance of Hot Oden transported diners straight to Japan, with murals of scenic skyline views of Shibuya and other Japanese-themed decor adorning the interior.
The exact timing of Hot Oden’s closure remains unclear, though the last buzz of activity in their Google reviews dates back to July 2023.
Signs of commercial listings for their unit appeared in early March 2024, marking the end of an era for this chain’s outpost in BC.
Hot Oden’s closure is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the food industry in Richmond, particularly with the steep pricing of commercial leases.
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Address: 3779 Sexsmith Road, Richmond, BC