To the disbelief of many downtown dwellers, Musette Caffe shut the doors to their Burrard Street outpost for good on December 1, 2015.
Those who used to frequent the somewhat hidden coffee house (it was tucked away on a back alley between Burrard and Hornby Street), can now breathe a sigh of relief as the welcoming and bike-friendly café has announced plans to relocate nearby, and reopen in April 2016.
With the construction of the Burrard Towers going on in the back alley, Musette Caffe’s owner Thomas Eleizegui told Vancity Buzz that the café was unable to sustain a steady flow of business.
“It’s been a struggle since the fencing was built around the block. People thought we were closed,” remarks Eleizegui.
With zero walk-by traffic and no visibility, it’s incredible that Musette Caffe lasted this long.
Seeking a business partner, Eleizegui recently secured a deal with the Wentworth Hospitality Group, who own the Loden Hotel, Tableau Bar Bistro, and Homer St Café.
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The new street facing location, situated on the corner of Burrard and Harwood Street, will be a short stroll from the old digs, and will feature a sizable outdoor patio.
Determined to hold on to the same energy, vibe, and club house feel that the old locale was renowned for, Eleizegui plans to decorate the walls of the new space with all kinds of bike memorabilia.
The inspiration for the new location comes from the “Queen of the Classics” cycling race, Paris-Roubaix. “The space will have the feel of the iconic change room in Roubaix,” notes Eleizegui.
The new spot will even house an indoor parking rack for bikes, just like the old haunt. The biggest addition will be the kitchen, which will allow the staff at Musette Caffe to create their own sweet and savory offerings, and unlike the old spot, the new café will be licensed.
Musette Caffe’s Chinatown location has also undergone some aesthetic alterations and a name change. Under the same ownership, The East Pender spot has been transformed into The Message Café.
Musette Caffe
Address: 1325 Burrard Street
Twitter: @Musettecaffe