As we bid farewell to 2024, the Metro Vancouver food scene served up a spicy mix of wild, sad, and downright weird stories that had us all talking.
From outrageous influencer antics to heart-wrenching losses in our culinary community, this year has been anything but dull.
Grab your favourite snack as we dive into some of the most unforgettable food tales that shaped our streets, kitchens, and social media feeds!
1. Richmond Influencer Order Gone Wild
Earlier this summer, a food influencer ordered a staggering $600 worth of food from Richmond’s Cherry’s Food House, leaving the small restaurant frustrated and heartbroken over the waste.
The owner shared that the amount could have fed 20-30 people, and they felt taken advantage of during the incident.
Despite the setback, they chose not to expose the influencer, emphasizing the need for respect in business collaborations.
Read the full scoop here.
2. First Corgi Café in North America Joke
Our 2024 April Fool’s joke fooled a lot of locals and infuriated them.
We shared that the first Corgi Café in North America, aptly named Corgo Café, was opening this summer in Downtown Vancouver.
Similar to our capybara cafe April Fool’s joke in 2023, the Corgo Cafe would allow guests to enjoy corgi-inspired treats and playtime with the pups, all in a cozy café environment.
Atleast this year we didn’t get hate from Seattle folks!
Read the full scoop here.
3. Burnaby Restaurant Covers No Tip Option
Back in May, a viral reddit post about a Burnaby eatery purposely covering the “no tip” option on its payment terminal, ignited the fumes of people around the country.
The bold move included a sticker that replaced the option with “tip” and “thank you,” leading to concerns over tampering and security.
A bold move that will kill any business.
Read the full scoop here.
4. Richmond Super Grocer Goes Up in Flames
Richmond’s beloved Super Grocer & Pharmacy sadly caught fire on January 26, 2024, leaving the community shocked.
Despite the quick response from firefighters, they couldn’t prevent the severe damage as structural concerns halted their efforts.
The store, a local favorite since 1979, was not just a grocery stop but a community hub.
Read the full scoop here.
5. Tragic Event Shakes Vancouver’s Food Scene
Vancouver’s vibrant culinary community mourned the loss of Wataru Kakiuchi, a 32-year-old chef from Hapa Izakaya, who was fatally stabbed on June 5th.
Despite the efforts of first responders, he did not survive his injuries, leaving both locals and the restaurant industry in shock.
Read the full scoop here.
6. The City’s Most Expensive Yogurt Bowl
DuoDuo Fruit Shop in Richmond has launched a jaw-dropping $25.99 yogurt bowl, challenging the local dining trends as other eateries lower prices.
Despite selling over 100 bowls monthly at their Toronto location, local interest appears minimal, and their premium fruit prices have raised eyebrows.
Read the full scoop here.
7. Driver Reverses into Bubble Tea Restaurant
In a bizarre parking mishap, a white Mercedes SUV reversed into a Bubble World store in Richmond, narrowly missing bystanders.
Thankfully, the normally bustling area was less crowded, preventing serious injuries.
The incident left onlookers stunned, with many speculating on the driver’s panic and driving skills.
Read the full scoop here.
8. BETA5 Halts Cream Puff Productions
BETA5 Chocolates is said goodbye to its beloved cream puffs after 12 sweet years, returning to its roots in chocolate.
The brand launched a “Cream Puff Anthology” celebration, featuring fan-favorite flavours for one last hurrah before they stopped production after November 23, 2024.
Read the full scoop here.
9. Gelato Daytime Heist in Richmond
In a weird daytime incident that shocked Richmond residents, a man was caught on camera scooping gelato with his bare hands at Timothy’s Frozen Yogurt and making off with it.
The surreal moment went viral after a local deli owner’s daughter filmed him in action, revealing he had a history of similar antics nearby.
Following the incident, the shop closed for the day, leaving the community both baffled and concerned.
Read the full scoop here.
10. The Quirky World of Irish Chinese Takeout
Emerald Dragon, one of Vancouver’s first Irish Chinese takeout, baffled locals with its unique menu featuring dishes like Salt & Chilli Chips and curry sauce, which are far from typical Chinese fare.
The community has been buzzing on social media, sharing a mix of confusion and nostalgia over the nostalgic flavors that remind them of home.
Read the full scoop here.
11. Mug Heist at Mount Pleasant Cafe
In a heart-wrenching incident, two women were caught on camera stealing handcrafted mugs from Whisk Matcha Cafe in Vancouver.
Luckily, the stolen mugs were returned alongside an apology note, highlighting a surprising turn of events for the small business.
This theft not only impacted the cafe but reminded us all of the struggles faced by local businesses.
Read the full scoop here.
12. Bakery Debt Drama
Bisou Bake House, a French bakery cafe, was forced to close its downtown Vancouver Telus Gardens location due to over $95,000 in outstanding debts.
Despite being in a prime area, they struggled with slow traffic and fierce competition.
Their other locations are still up and running, but this closure is a tough blow for fans of their pastries.
Read the full scoop here.
And there you have it, folks!
2024 was a rollercoaster ride for Metro Vancouver’s food lovers, filled with moments that made us laugh, cry, and sometimes scratch our heads in disbelief.
Here’s to hoping that 2025 brings even more delicious adventures—because we can’t wait to see what’s next on this culinary journey!