Iconic 14-year-old Vancouver restaurant to close this month
After over a decade in Vancouver, Fable Kitchen on West 4th Avenue has announced it will be closing on Sept. 20.
The restaurant first opened its doors in 2012 and received much recognition, including a spot on the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand list, highlighting its quality and value.
This closure follows the closing of its sister restaurant, Fable Diner, whose final day of operation was Aug. 23.
For owner Ron MacGillivray, the decision to close Fable Kitchen was a difficult one, citing rising operating costs (including labour, food, rent, and utilities), in addition to the financial and emotional strain of the Broadway Subway construction and the expenses associated with Fable Diner.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” said MacGillivray. âWe’ve put so much heart, time and energy into these restaurants, and our staff and guests have become like family. But the costs of doing business have continued to rise, and the economic conditions surrounding the current location have made it increasingly difficult to continue.â
While Fable Kitchen is closing its doors, Fable Bar and Grill at 755 Richards St. will remain open. Additionally, MacGillivray is assuring folks that the Fable brand is not going away, with the team actively exploring new ways to bring Fable to the community, including a food truck and future collaborations.
Fable Kitchen
“This isn’t the end of Fable,” said MacGillivray. âWe’re not walking away from the brand or the community we’ve built. We’re looking at different ways to keep Fable going, including a food truck and collaborations, and we’re excited about what could come next. The reality is that the current economic conditions make it very difficult to operate at this particular location, and we need to find a model that allows us to move forward.”
MacGillivray also shared how grateful he is to everyone who has visited the restaurant since 2012.
“Kitsilano has been such an important part of our story, and we wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of our guests and the community. If you’ve been meaning to come in one more time, now is the time. We would love to see you,” he said.
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MacGillivray has since started a GoFundMe to support staff during the transition to assist with groceries, rent, and other essential living expenses.
Fable Kitchen
Address:Â 1944 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver
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