Nearly 12 years to the day it opened, Forage, the restaurant at the base of the Listel Hotel, will serve its last guests.
The much-loved dining destination known for its brunch and dinner - and its founding mission of sustainability - is closing as part of the redevelopment of the West End property on which it sits.
Bosa Properties and Henriquez Partners Architects are partnering with Listel Hospitality Group to redevelop the brand's downtown Vancouver hotel at 1300 Robson St.
The hotel, which opened in 1992, will close on November 20, 2024, and knocked down shortly thereafter.
For Forage, its award-winning restaurant, the end will come a few days sooner.
"As we approach the bittersweet end of an unforgettable journey, we invite you to join us for one last celebration at Forage. Our last dinner service will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, followed by our final brunch on Sunday, November 17, 2024," shared Forage on social media Wednesday (Nov 6).
Forage opened on Nov. 20, 2012, and replaced the boisterous O'Douls.
The restaurant was positioned as "groundbreaker" in the industry, in that the new room (and kitchen equipment) was shaped in partnership with Green Table Network, BC Hydro and the LiveSmart BC program. The idea was to showcase a sustainable room by placing every conceivable aspect of the operation under the microscope to see how to make it as environmentally friendly and cost-efficient as possible. Even the plates at Forage were chosen because they were fired only once and required less energy to produce.
Its opening chef, Chris Whittaker, brought his commitment to locally-sourced ingredients to the table for Forage. They were always making preserves, showcasing B.C. game meat, and keeping the conversation about sustainable practices front and centre.
"Forage is the next chapter in Vancouver's love affair with local eating that found its beginnings with the 100 Mile Diet," wrote The Westender's Tim Pawsey in November 2012, days ahead of the restaurant's launch.
Whittaker left Forage in 2018, and his former Chef de Cuisine, Welbert Choi, took his place. Choi departed the post in 2023.
"For years, Forage has been a place where we’ve shared delicious meals, lively conversations, and cherished moments with our amazing guests. Now, as we prepare to close this chapter, we want to make these last services as memorable as possible," wrote Forage's current operators.
"Join us to celebrate the good times we've had, with incredible food, laughter, and memories that will last forever. We can’t wait to see you there!"
Construction for the new hotel and rental units on the property should begin in September 2025 with an anticipated opening of 2028. No information has been shared regarding a restaurant at the site.
With files from Brendan Kergin and Tim Pawsey
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