Vancouver Restaurant Closures Hit Kitsilano as Their There Cafe Ends Lease

Kitsilano’s Their There Cafe to Close Following Lease Dispute

The Vancouver restaurant landscape continues to shift as the popular Kitsilano cafe, Their There, announces it will end its lease. Since opening in 2018, the cafe has served as a neighborhood hub for coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, and salads, while also operating as a sister establishment to the Michelin-starred AnnaLena and the now-closed Hundy.

The closure is attributed to the challenges of the current commercial real estate market in Vancouver. According to reports, the cafe was unable to reach a lease agreement that aligned with its operational needs, highlighting a broader trend of small businesses struggling with the high cost of commercial leasing in prime neighborhoods like Kitsilano.

In a gesture to the local community, Their There has extended its operating hours through September, providing patrons one final opportunity to visit the space before it closes.

A Wave of Closures Across Metro Vancouver

The departure of Their There is part of a wider series of restaurant closures impacting the region. Several long-standing and newer establishments have recently shuttered their doors:

* Odd Burger: The vegan fast-food chain closed its only Vancouver location at 2821 Main St. after less than two years. Owners cited a change in the business direction by head office as the reason for the closure.
* Green Lettuce: After 27 years of operation at 1949 Kingsway, the Indian-style Chinese eatery has closed its Vancouver location, directing customers to their remaining site in Surrey.
* Kosoo Cardero: This modern Korean restaurant, located at 832 Cardero St., closed after an 11-year run. The business continues to operate locations in Coquitlam and on Robson Street.
* White Spot (Central City): A staff member at the Surrey location confirmed that the restaurant closed on July 12, citing a decision made by the company’s head office.
* Bruno: Located in Richmond’s Versante Hotel, this 130-seat restaurant permanently closed after approximately five years. The owners have encouraged guests to visit their sister restaurant, Cask Whisky Vault.
* The Black Lodge: The Mount Pleasant restaurant and bar announced it would end its service on February 27. The space at 317 East Broadway is slated to be taken over by another independent restaurant.

Shifting Business Models and Relocations

While some establishments have closed permanently, others have opted for relocation to accommodate growth or changing circumstances.

Ông Bà Vietnamese Eatery, formerly of Denman Street, marked a significant transition on July 12 with the opening of a new 200-seat location at Henderson Place in Coquitlam. The family-run restaurant, which honors the history of owners Viet and Quynh’s parents, has utilized the move to expand its menu and introduce an enhanced cocktail program.

According to the owners, the new space serves as a way to invite a larger community to engage with the family’s history, moving from their original intimate West End setting to a larger venue designed to support both traditional slow-simmered phở and a new focus on French-Vietnamese fusion plates.

The Economic Reality for Local Businesses

The closure of established spots like Their There has prompted discussions regarding the sustainability of independent businesses in Vancouver. Observers have noted that the displacement of these businesses from popular areas creates a ripple effect, impacting the unique character of local neighborhoods.

For many patrons, these closures represent more than a loss of services; they signify the end of community gathering spaces. Social media responses to the recent string of closures have reflected a mixture of nostalgia and concern, as residents grapple with the economic pressures that are reshaping the city’s dining scene. As Vancouver continues to evolve, the fragility of these small businesses remains a central theme in the city’s ongoing commercial transformation.