Farewell to Fun: The Unexpected Closure of Vancouver’s Beloved Board Game Cafe

In a city branded as the “No Fun City”, the food and entertainment scene was always looking for more to turn that label around – not less.

The sudden closure of Turquoise Goat, a popular board game cafe in Gastown, has left the community in shock.

Opened just a year ago, in November 2022, the cafe-style social destination quickly became a local favourite, offering a unique blend of fun, games, and bites.

But now, it joins the list of recent restaurant closures in the Metro Vancouver area, a trend that has become all too common.

The Rise and Fall of Turquoise Goat

Turquoise Goat was not just a cafe; it was a vibrant community hub. With its extensive library of hundreds of games and a menu that included both cafe staples, stacked cereal and alcoholic beverages.

The cafe also hosted themed trivia nights and game tournaments, making it a go-to spot for both casual visitors and dedicated gamers.

A Community Mourns Its Loss

The closure announcement, made on their website and Facebook, highlighted financial difficulties and unforeseen events as the primary reasons for the shutdown.

The heartfelt message expressed deep regret at not being able to bid a proper farewell to their loyal customers, affectionately known as ‘Misfits’, who embodied the spirit of connection and community the cafe strived to create.

Despite its closure, the owners of Turquoise Goat hope their legacy will continue. They encourage patrons to keep the spirit of the cafe alive by engaging in board games, fostering community spaces, and spreading love and joy.

Their final message was a thank you to everyone who was a part of their journey, a reminder of the impact a small local business can have on its community.

The abrupt end of Turquoise Goat is a loss for Vancouver’s scene, as the city loses another late-night board-game spot.

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Address: 122 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8

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