Vancouver's The Holy Crab is permanently closing on May 16

Vancouver seafood boil spot The Holy Crab has announced it will be permanently shuttering at the end of this week.

The West End restaurant opened in early 2017, offering patrons a fun experience and delicious Louisiana-style seafood eats and sides.

The Holy Crab co-owner and chef Henri William is saying the closure comes amid “devastating financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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The business owner also cited an “uncooperative property-owner” as a main reason for the closure.

“I have put my heart and soul into this amazing restaurant over the last three years and it is truly heartbreaking to see this dream come to an end,” says William.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 has been devastating for our small business. My landlord refuses to speak to us directly and is unwilling to provide any form of rent relief, and as such we simply can’t afford to remain open.”

The Holy Crab suspended operations on March 19 in response to the City of Vancouver’s efforts to combat coronavirus. The restaurant planned on reopening once it could safely do so, but now, its last day of business will be on May 16.

“I am incredibly thankful to all of our staff for their hard work and dedication, especially during this difficult time. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to our valued customers who supported us over the years and thank them for giving us the opportunity to offer a fun and unique dining experience. I hope they will come back to visit us one more time this week before we say goodbye,” said William.

 

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A post shared by The Holy Crab Canada (@theholycrabca) on Mar 18, 2020 at 8:59pm PDT

Unfortunately, this is not the first much-loved Vancouver establishment we’re losing due to the conditions amid COVID-19.

Three Commercial Drive businesses — Storm Crow Tavern, Federico’s Supper Club and Cabrito Tapas — have also closed their doors recently because of unmanageable costs and conditions.

Vij’s Rangoli also recently shuttered its longtime South Granville space in order to consolidate Rangoli and its menu into the larger Vij’s location on Cambie Street as soon as owners “understood the gravity of the social and economic impacts of COVID-19.”

Hanna McLean/Daily Hive

The Holy Crab will still be taking orders this week on May 13, May 15, and May 16 from 4 to 8 pm, all seafood will be 20%.

Folks can order online grab their grub and alcoholic beverages via curbside pickup.