9 of the saddest Vancouver restaurant closures this month
The restaurant industry can be fickle, and unfortunately, November saw the closure of a number of Vancouver eateries.
From fried chicken and biscuit shops to over-decade-old cafes (and one grocery store), these are nine of the biggest closures that were announced this month.
Closing soon
Chewie’s Chicken and Biscuits
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Chewie’s Chicken and Biscuit, a much-loved Vancouver staple for brunch, has announced that it will be closing soon, and people are upset.
The restaurant shared that it will be closing its doors before the end of the month due to its whole block getting taken down for redevelopment.
“Since 2018, our little Biscuit shop has been part of Kits — but you are the ones who made it special,” wrote Chewie’s. “You turned us into your weekend ritual, your comfort spot, your ‘just one biscuit… okay maybe three’ place. We’re forever grateful for the regulars who stuck with us through everything, for the laughs, the friendships, the support, and the countless memories.”
For those who have never been, Chewie’s first opened its doors in 2018. It offers a wide selection of fried chicken sandwiches, carb-loaded sides like mac and cheese and pierogies, and a standout brunch menu, all alongside its beloved biscuits.
Chewie’s final day of operation will be Sunday, Nov. 23.
Address: 2822 West 4th Ave., Vancouver
Poor Italian Ristorante
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After 16 years of operation in the East Side, Vancouver’s Poor Italian Ristorante announced it will be closing before the end of the year.
“Thank you for 16 wonderful years of support! It’s been an honour serving the Hastings-Sunrise community,” shared the restaurant on Instagram.
Poor Italian, located at 3296 E. 1st Ave., is best known for its selection of pasta and risotto, alongside other Italian favourites.
Its final day of operation will be Dec. 21, 2025.
Address: 3296 E. 1st Ave., Vancouver
Gina’s
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Gina’s, Vancouver’s queer restaurant and bar serving up a menu of mostly plant-based options, has made the unfortunate announcement that our days to visit are numbered as the space is for sale.
“I’ve been sitting with how to write this because it’s been hard for me to find the right words,” owner Valeria Velazquez wrote. “Gina’s has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life and one I’ll forever be grateful for. That said, I want to share with you that Gina’s is now for sale.”
Located at 227 East Pender St., Gina’s is known for its selection of mainly plant-based Mexican dishes and cocktails. Menu items include Chips Mexicana (choice of plain chips, Tostitos, or Takis with lime juice, Valentina sauce, Maggi sauce, and Worcestershire sauce), Vegan Tinga Tacos (soft corn tortillas with carrots and onions stewed in a chipotle and tomato sauce), and Aguachile (mushrooms, cucumber, and onion cured in a sauce made with lime juice, serrano pepper, and cilantro).
Velazquez added that there are many reasons behind this decision, and that it’s not just a financial one.
“From my immigration process, to burnout, to this city’s red tape, capacity limits, event restrictions, and the expectations and pressures that come with holding a space like this, it’s been hard to sustain the dream we had for this place,” she said.
Address: 227 East Pender St., Vancouver
Mapo Pancake House
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The restaurant, which opened its doors in 2022, shared the news on Instagram that it would be closing before the end of the month.
“Thank you for every table shared, every pancake enjoyed, and every warm moment spent with us,” wrote the restaurant.
The part pancake house, part rice wine bar eatery in Yaletown is best known for its selection of authentic savoury Korean pancakes. Varieties included prawn chives, bulgogi cheese, and potato cheese, to name a few.
Mapo will be closing its doors permanently on Nov. 24.
Address: 1130 Mainland St., Vancouver
Now closed
MeeT in Gastown
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“After an incredible 10 years of MeeT in Gastown, we’ve made the heartfelt decision to close our Gastown location,” shared the restaurant.
Meet in Gastown was located in the historic 12 Water St. building at the former Shirakawa (and Boneta) space.
The restaurant, which also operates locations in Yaletown and on Main Street, is one of the main players in the vegan food scene in Vancouver. It’s known for its selection of vegan comfort food classics like its fan-favourite Mac N’ Cheez Bowl.
Address: 12 Water St., Vancouver
Coo Coo Coffee
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Coo Coo Coffee broke the news on Nov. 3 that it had officially closed its doors, thanking its customers for their loyal support. Many took to the closure announcement to share some kind words and goodbyes to the cafe.
The cafe was best known for its coffee offerings, which included a drink called “Bullet Coffee,” which was described as a “high octane blend of organic espresso, organic virgin coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and pure MCT oil.” It also offered a selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
However, less than a month after announcing its closure, signs for another cafe have already opened in the space.
Snowy Village
Snowy Village has quietly closed its doors. The windows have since been papered up, and signs on the restaurant read “Snowy Village is now permanently closed.”
The dessert spot was best known for its selection of bingsoo (a.k.a. shaved ice) available with a variety of toppings. Offerings included Cheese Cake (cheese cake pieces, fresh whipped cream, cheese cake powder, sweetend condensed milk, not toppingg, and shaved ice), Green Tea (red beans, Korean traditional rice cakes, castella, natrual green tea powder, nut toppin, and shaved ice), Mango (mango, fresh whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and shaved ice), and more.
However, according to the posted notice, a new cafe is already planned to take its place.
“A new store called ‘Cafe Log’ will be opening under new management. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to welcoming you to Cafe Log,” reads the sign.
Address: 336-800 Carnarvon St., New Westminster
Red Apple Market
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The Burnaby Heights Business Improvement Association recently shared the unfortunate news that Red Apple Market, a local staple, had closed its doors.
“Red Apple Market was more than a grocer. It was a community member, where staff and management lived nearby, and they knew their clientele and always greeted you with a warm smile,” shared the Burnaby Heights BIA on Instagram.
Red Apple has been operating in Burnaby Heights for over 30 years, offering fresh produce and international products.
Address: 4170 Hastings St., Burnaby
Fieldstone Bread White Rock
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“We have made the difficult decision to close our White Rock location, effective immediately,” shared Fieldstone. “This change allows us to consolidate all our passion, energy, and resources back into where it all began: our original Ocean Park bakery! We’re focusing on ensuring our flagship location is fully prepared just in time for the busy Christmas season.”
Fieldstone has been operating for 30 years at its Ocean Park location in South Surrey (which remains open). Here, it bakes bread in a French stone-hearth oven using a process that’s been around for 500 years.
It also sells a variety of cakes, cookies, savoury options like sausage rolls, and more.
Address: 15221 Russell Ave., White Rock
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