One of Vancouver's top spots for donuts will be losing a location soon, as Mello has revealed it must shut down its westside outpost on Arbutus.
Mello made the announcement on its Instagram account on Tuesday, Feb. 11, noting the news of the impending closure was being delivered "with a heavy heart."
Operators of the donut shop - the second of its two Vancouver locations - cite "the development of the building" as what is prompting the closure.
"Many of you may have already heard the news, but this was an unavoidable situation, and we are truly heartbroken and saddened by it," share Mello's operators in the announcement.
Indeed, the closure was inevitable; last summer, Mello's neighbour, seafood shop Finest at Sea, closed after 20 years of serving the community. A rezoning application was approved in 2023 to build a six-storey mixed-use apartment building on the same property.
Mello continues to operate original Vancouver donut shop
Home to some of the city's most treasured baked goods, the bakeshop often sells out daily of its fluffy and filled brioche donuts.
Mello first welcomed customers into its small, minimalist Chinatown cafe at the end of 2019. Their soft, decadent donuts come in a variety of flavour options, with fillings like lemon curd, tiramisu, cereal milk, and strawberries and cream.
The Arbutus Ridge location was added in 2022, opening that summer at 4635 Arbutus St.
Best donuts in Canada
In 2023, Mello was named as having the best donuts in Canada, landing in the number one spot on a list of 25 spots nationwide.
Joining Mello on the list was Vancouver's Cartems in fourth place, which this month will cease all operations at its two remaining Metro Vancouver donut shop locations.
For Mello, this ending also marks what could be new beginnings.
'We promise to return in the near future with good news'
In addition to expressing gratitude to its customers and fans, Mello's operators suggest there will be more to come from the business.
"This is not a goodbye—just a short farewell. We promise to return in the near future with good news, so please stay tuned!" shared Mello, adding that the Chinatown shop is open, and that "gift cards will continue to be valid at both our Chinatown store and any future locations."
Mello's last day of business in Arbutus Ridge will be Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 (Family Day).
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