The next time you've got a snack attack, you might be able to find some satisfaction at a new joint set to open in East Vancouver.
Called The Drive Canteen, and located, fittingly, on Commercial Drive, the venture is in part the effort of well-known local purveyors of excellent munchies eats, namely the DL Chicken Shack and Downlow Burgers, Doug Stephen and Lindsey Mann.
The duo has teamed up with urban streetwear entrepreneur and art collector Zach Wilcox to turn the concept of a convenience store on its head with The Drive Canteen, which will feature the fun pairing of crave-worthy eats and urban art and streetwear.
When it comes to the food, Stephen and Mann will have you covered with things like loaded nachos and hot dogs, as well as locally-made sweet and savoury snacks and treats, like their own DL Chicken spicy pickles, alongside items like Scarlito's Way cookies, Elbo Jamaican patties, and Beta5 chocolate bars. Those hot dogs will be tricked out with toppings inspired by regional and global flavour profiles - think Chicago or a Quebec "steamie," and Italian or Japanese-styled dogs.
Also on deck are milkshakes and housemade non-alcoholic beverage.
Over on the retail side, which will debut soon after the space's initial launch, goods will include curated streetwear, sneakers, and urban artwork. You'll even be able to get your sweet sneaks cleaned professionally there. Further plans include to build out an arts and events space with its own separate entrance, which will support non-traditional art forms, local talent, and pop-ups.
“The Drive Canteen is for everyone who has ever had cravings for some good, old-school snacks and drinks,” explains Stephen in a media release.
Opening day is imminent for The Drive Canteen, which is located at 1111 Commercial Drive, and can be found on social media at @drivecanteen. Find updates about when you can go check out some shakes, nachos, snacks and more there.
