Sad news for fans of plant-based eats in Vancouver, as two different kinds of restaurants specializing in vegan fare have called it quits.
First to pack it in was Copper Branch, the highly-anticipated Vancouver debut of the Montreal-based fast-casual chain, which was located at 280 Nelson St in Yaletown. Copper Branch began in 2014 in Montreal, and expanded rapidly in Quebec, as well as in France, Belgium, and the United States.
When it opened in early 2020 in Vancouver, the vegan chain had also begun an expansion in Alberta and Ontario.
An email to Copper Branch's HQ regarding to closure did not receive a response.
The venue is already in the hands of another global chain - Hazukido - which specializes in "freshly baked specialty croissants inspired by Europe and Japan."
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Bad Apple is winding down operations at 2481 E Hastings St.
The restaurant concept took over the former What's Up? Hot Dog! shop in the fall of 2020, maintaining many of the previous spot's best-selling plant-based menu items.
Bad Apple has been posting semi-cryptic messages on its Instagram page in recent weeks, and customers report showing up to dine during usual operating hours to find the restaurant closed down. Operators have indicated Saturday, Aug. 27 would be their last day, however, on Thursday the restaurant said in an Instagram story they were hoping to have enough supplies to be able to serve customers for its remaining days.
V.I.A. reached out to Bad Apple to enquire about the closure but did not receive a response.
