If you live along the Cambie corridor and love good snacks, a little corner of Spain is getting ready to land.
Ultramarinos Pepe will bring a tiny neighbourhood grocer and bocadillo shop to the historic corner of West 16th and Heather.
Their Instagram announcement calls it “a familiar stop, a taste of home, a place to belong,” hinting at something cozy rather than a flashy restaurant.
All of this is moving into the historic Foley Building, a heritage-listed Edwardian structure from 1909 on a walkable residential corner.
The ground-floor unit has almost always been a neighbourhood grocery or confectionery, so Ultramarinos Pepe feels like a return to its corner-store roots rather than a complete reinvention.
A vintage 7UP sign on the building will be preserved as part of its heritage character, and the shop’s “7” icon nods to that detail and to the way the team describes Spaniards casually “going to the seven” for their local shop.
In Spain, an ultramarinos is the everyday shop where shelves are stacked with conservas, olives, bread, sweets, and charcuterie.
It is where you chat with the shopkeeper, get a quick recommendation, and leave with something simple but very good.
Ultramarinos Pepe leans into that idea of Spanish heritage, mixing routine grocery runs with a little nostalgia.
Their branding blends flamenco dots, vintage packaging style, and clean typography, so expect a space that feels old-school and playful at the same time.
Food-wise, it is both a pantry and a sandwich bar.
The concept is literally “eat what you can buy,” so your favourite sandwich can follow you home in the form of a well-stocked grocery bag.
Two characters, Mari and Pepe, guide the vibe.
Mari is the nurturing, veggie-forward side that keeps things balanced, while Pepe represents tradition, ibéricos, and charcuterie shared over good conversation.
There is no official opening date just yet.
For now, locals can walk past that heritage corner, check out the “Spain Next Door” signage, and start daydreaming about their first jamón-filled baguette.
Ultramarinos Pepe now joins a list of upcoming food spots in Vancouver, including Goldie’s Donut & Bakery and Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria.
Address: 698 W 16th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1S6