The Tuck Shoppe: Summer camp vibes, sandwiches, and beer in former Parker space

Summer camp vibes will abound year-round at the forthcoming Tuck Shoppe, a small but mighty sandwich and beer spot opening up soon in Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Taking over the space that was best known of late as the Parker (and, briefer still, Big Trouble), partners Adam Merpaw and Zach Buckman are bringing a bit of the outdoors to the indoors with their 25-seater (and tiny patio).

Their inspiration for what Merpaw calls their 587-square-foot “small footprint space” is the “fun and excitement” both he and Buckman enjoyed as kids when getting a change to hit the “tuck shop” in Ontario Cottage Country or while at summer camp, to score some candy and treats.

With a decidedly more grown-up feel, The Tuck Shoppe will have a menu of six sandwiches, three salads, and assorted snack-y items (think house-made jerky and roll-ups), and ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

Merpaw got us craving the Tuck Shoppe’s forthcoming sandwiches when he talked us through about half the menu: Vegetarian Curried Cauliflower (curried tomato sauce, roasted cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, spiced yogurt, cilantro, Bombay mix); French Onion Brisket Dip (sous vide beef, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, fresh horseradish, french onion jus); and Tuna Katsu (panko crusted seared tuna loin, pickled daikon, scallions, wasabi mayo, ginger soy dressing, cucumber, sesame seeds).

Speaking of grown-up, The Tuck Shoppe will have five taps for pouring local craft beers, as well as two wines on tap and a couple of cocktails (like a signature Caesar).

The partners fell in love with the Parker/Big Trouble space when it became available, and the Tap & Barrel vets thought it was time they got back to their roots and branched out on their own and launch a sandwich spot perfect for beer lovers at lunch or dinner.

With heavy renos underway, Merpaw says they’re hoping for an early January 2016 opening for The Tuck Shoppe.

The Tuck Shoppe

Address: 237 Union Street
Website: www.thetuckshoppe.com
Twitter: @the_tuckshoppe