An upscale residential development in Kitsilano means the closure and demolition of four small business on West Broadway, including a couple of longstanding restaurants.
The four-business enclave on the 2500 block of West Broadway at Larch Street houses Moderne Burger, Benny's Bagels/Benny's Cafe, and Kinome Japanese Kitchen; all three are closed or are in the process of closing down. A floral shop, Aria, shut down last fall and has since re-located to West 4th Avenue.
Moderne Burger/Facebook
Kinome wrapped up service after a three-year run earlier this month, while Moderne Burger announced recently their last day of service will be Sunday, April 29. Benny's Bagels confirmed their last day will be April 30.
While Moderne Burger has plans to relocate and says they will announce their new plans shortly, Benny's Bagels says at this time they do not have plans for a new location. Both have been in their respective locations for several years; Moderne, a retro-vibed diner known for burgers and shakes, has marked nearly 20 years at 2507 West Broadway, and Benny's has been around since the 1980s.
Benny’s Bagels/Facebook
Set for demolition, the retail strip will be replaced by 21 luxury townhouses and condos in a development called Monument by Epta. Plans are for a low-rise tower, with roof-top amenities and a "unique architectural style that will redefine West Broadway," according to a pre-sale site.
Redevelopments often squeeze out small businesses, such as earlier this year when Cambie Village's Pronto got the boot and will be torn down for dental offices and some housing units.
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