Folks returning to their usual weekday routine in Vancouver's Gastown area might be surprised to find their local Starbucks is no more.
Over the holiday long weekend, keen-eyed locals spotted a "for lease" sign and paper covering the windows up at the U.S.-based coffee mega-chain's location at 199 Water St. The high-profile location is steps from the city's iconic steam clock, making the cafe a draw for many visitors.
In fact, Carly Suppa, Director Public Affairs, Starbucks Canada, confirmed with V.I.A. the Gastown location's last day of operation was Dec. 31, 2022.
In a statement provided to V.I.A., Suppa explains: "As a standard practice, Starbucks continually evaluates its store portfolio to ensure its meeting the needs of partners (employees), customers and the communities in which it serves. After careful consideration, Starbucks decided to close the Starbucks Gastown store (199 Water Street) in Vancouver."
"The company has provided partners at this location the opportunity to transfer to a new opportunity within Starbucks."
Starbucks Canada adds that customers can head to the nearest location (which happens to be the chain's first in Vancouver and the first outside of the U.S.) located inside Waterfront Station or check their app or the company website to find another convenient outpost.
The ex 'bux on Water at Cambie's neighbour, Black Frog Eatery, is also a venue in search of a new tenant; the pub business at 108 Cambie St has been up for sale for some time now.
