In October 2022, the Browns Socialhouse at 2296 W 4th Ave in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood closed its doors permanently after 16 years at that location.
Following Browns' departure, the landlord set to work on making some significant renovations to the building, pointing to perhaps an incoming venture backed if not by significant money then at least significant ambition.
It seems perhaps both are true, as the new tenant in the space is Vancouver-based Toptable, the prestigious restaurant group owned by the Aquilinis (they own the Canucks, among other things).
In the coming weeks, Toptable will open a Vancouver outpost of its Provisions concept, one of ts properties in Whistler, along with Araxi, Bar Oso, and Il Caminetto.
A business licence for the space is pending, according to the City of Vancouver's database.
Job listings for the new Provisions appeared in September.
"Provisions is your all-day cafe with everything you need throughout the day perfect for dine-in or take away," reads a job listing for a café manager. "We will open early in the morning with fresh baked goods, an exceptional coffee and tea program and breakfast sandwiches. Throughout the afternoon and evening, we offer made-to-order salads and sandwiches, exceptional pastries and baked goods in a comfortable and relaxed setting."
In Whistler, the Provisions menu includes pastries, breakfast sandwiches and toasts in the morning, followed by lunchtime eats like soup, sandwiches, tacos, rotisserie chicken, and burgers, with the café closing in the evening.
V.I.A. has reached out to Toptable for more information about the new Provisions in Vancouver.
Locally, Toptable operates several high-profile restaurants, including Elisa, Blue Water, and Cin Cin, as well as patisserie-café Thierry.
Additionally, they own the award-winning Marilena in Victoria, and have two New York City concepts, Oceans and Carlotto.
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