The last day of business for The Rise Global Fusion Eatery in South Granville is set for March 13, but we're already hearing whisperings about what new restaurant is set to take its place.
Plans are afoot for some high-profile Vancouver hospitality vets to take over at 3121 Granville St to create Impostori.
The Italian concept will reportedly be the effort of chef Andrey Durbach and wine pro Gordon Ritchie, according to a social media post.
It's only been a couple of years since Durbach - known for his cooking at past local spots like La Buca, Parkside, and Sardine Can, among others - left Vancouver for the Island and headed to Courtenay to open Il Falcone.
A little more background: The Sardine Can closed at the onset of the pandemic in B.C. in spring 2020, and at the time was one of a trio of restaurants operated by veteran Vancouver restaurateur Chris Stewart. Stewart's La Buca remains operational, however, Sorella has since shuttered; a new spot called Baghven Uyghur Cuisine has recently opened in its stead on Cambie.
Stewart opened The Sardine Can in 2012 with chef and business partner Andrey Durbach, who had teamed with him on previous ventures. Ultimately Durbach moved on to the stoves at Bishop's — the veteran Kits fine-dining spot that shuttered officially at the end of last year.
All that's to say Impostori has the makings of being a big draw, thanks to its chef's track record. And while it seems Durbach has ferried back to the mainland permanently, the well-received Il Falcone remains up and running with other personnel in place.
No timeline has been set yet for Impostori, and no social media presence of its own, but the changeover could be swift if Durbach and Ritchie and their team make short work of transforming the space and getting the new venture going.
