And just like that, one of the city's previously enduring café-restaurant chains is gone.
Sciué, which began in 2005 with its first Italian caffe in downtown Vancouver, shuttered all of its four locations in the city as May got underway - and did so with no warning to customers.
"So sad to find out that your West Pender location closed without any advanced notice! I’ve been going for years (since 2006) and recently going back again because I’m in the area more often and am sad that you’ve closed permanently," lamented one Sciue fan on the business' most recent Instagram post (April 25).
Sciué grew steadily after its launch, adding locations in Yaletown (126 Davie St) in 2008 and in downtown at 1115 Melville St in 2012, and at the Pendulum building at 885 W Georgia St in 2013. All of those locations closed simultaneously at the end of April.
Previously, Sciué ceased operations last year of its "Roman street eatery" concept near Rogers Arena at 101 Robson St.
All of the locations are marked as "permanently closed" on Google, and the Sciué website is blank and does not load.
Sciué closed all locations due to financial strain, pandemic's 'unprecedented disruptions and difficulties'
A letter taped to the door of the Yaletown location explains that "the past three years have been incredibly challenging" for the business. "The pandemic has brought about unprecedented disruptions and difficulties which have impacted us in significant ways."
Sciué's operators continue: "Our customers have not returned to the pre-pandemic levels and, despite our best efforts, the continued uncertainty and instability have made it difficult for us to continue operating."
Noting that the decision to close the business was "difficult," the letter points to operators facing financial strain. "Unfortunately, in the absence of a significant financial injection into the business, we were unable to continue operating."
The letter continues to thank Sciué's customers over the years and encourages the community to continue to support local businesses.
"It is our hope that we have left a positive impact on the community and that our legacy will continue to carry on."
The undated Yaletown letter - which was placed on the outside portion of the restaurant's door - covers up a previously placed and undated note that was taped to the inside of the door indicating "unforeseen" circumstances were forcing a temporary closure of the location, but a re-opening was anticipated for May 1.
Sciué was known for its Roman-inspired menu of coffee, pastries, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes. They also served brunch and breakfast items and were regular participants of the annual Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, often putting whimsical creations on the menu for the event.
In May 2022, the Sciué team launched a sibling concept, Casa Mia, a casual café/restaurant and Italian grocer with coffee and gelato in West Vancouver.
V.I.A. reached out to Casa Mia for any further information regarding the Sciué closures but did not receive a response.
