Vancouver is a city known for its rain as it is for delays, especially when it comes to restaurant openings (sorry not sorry).
This trend continues with the much-anticipated first Hello Kitty Cafe in Canada.
Originally spotted gearing up for a summer opening on Robson Street, the cafe has now postponed its launch for the FOURTH time.
Progress Updates (March 20, 2024)
We’ve made contact with Sanrio and they have shared with Noms Magazine that the cafe is still in progress.
They were tight-lipped on when the cafe will actually open as they are ensuring everything (interior and operations) is the best it can be due to it being the first Canadian location.
The rumors of the business being stuck with permits is also not true as they have acquired their business license as of December 2023.
The timeline for the cafe is now Spring 2024.
From November to January: A Series of Setbacks
The latest update, according to the cafe’s Google My Business listing, pushes the opening from November to January.
This delay comes as a disappointment to many who have been eagerly following the cafe’s progress.
Despite the majority of the interior renovations being complete and staff training underway, the cafe is currently grappling (according to our sources) with the challenge of acquiring permits.
An all too common hurdle in the Vancouver food scene.
Similar delays were faced by Vietnamese specialty cafe Hem377 for their second outpost and the city’s first Pablo Cheesecake.
A Glimpse into Hello Kitty Cafes
While Vancouver waits, lets review things…there are three operational Hello Kitty Cafes in America: in Fashion Show Las Vegas, a container-like cafe in Las Vegas, and the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe in California.
These cafes are celebrated for their “super cute” menus, featuring an array of adorable goodies like freshly baked cookies, cakes, donuts, and seasonal treats, all adorned with a Hello Kitty twist.
The cafes also serve a variety of handmade hot and iced beverages.
Each Hello Kitty Cafe is also a treasure trove of exclusive merchandise, and the Vancouver location is following suit.
The cafe, taking over the former Sharetea unit – a two-story structure – hints at a spacious indoor dining area, mirroring the California branch or those in Asia.
The ongoing construction of shelving units beside the counter suggests a significant display of Hello Kitty merchandise.
Anticipation Builds for Vancouver’s Hello Kitty Fans
For fans of all things pink, cute, and Hello Kitty-themed, this news, despite the delay, is a reason for excitement. It is going to be the first in Canada after all!
For Hello Kitty enthusiasts and lovers of cute cafes, the anticipation for the Vancouver Hello Kitty Cafe continues to build.
While the wait might be longer than expected, the promise of a super cute menu and an array of exclusive merchandise is sure to make it worth the delay.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.