Beloved Vancouver Chinatown restaurant closing doors after reported 30% rent hike – BC | 24CA News
A Vancouver Chinatown restaurant, Kent’s Kitchen, that’s been round for greater than 4 many years can be serving its ultimate meal subsequent month.
The go-to-spot for hot-and-ready meals has been serving giant parts for its prospects at a pocket-friendly worth, however it’ll now not be potential with a reported 30-per cent improve in lease, in line with the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants’ Association.
“It’s really tough when one of us leaves because of that fabric… that community… when one of the core members of the community leaves, it makes it so much harder for the rest of us to survive,” stated William Liu, Vancouver Chinatown Merchants’ Association’s president, informed Global News Wednesday.
“It’s really difficult. All the other businesses are questioning whether it’s even sustainable (to operate here).”
A Kent’s Kitchen worker informed Global News the restaurant will not be occupied with talking however did verify the institution can be closing after April 30.
“It’s literally monthly we see businesses closing, old and new. It’s really tough to look into the future right now,” Liu stated.
Kent’s Kitchen is a beloved institution within the downtown Vancouver neighborhood, with some prospects coming repeatedly over many years.
“This one is so famous for its quality, very good price. Everyone knows when they want to stuff themselves full they need to go to Kent’s,” Katherine Kwan stated, a buyer.
“We are (sad). A lot of people in Chinatown and in the surrounding neighbourhood need affordable food. Chinatown needs this type of restaurant.
“This place is very busy. If it’s not very profitable and can’t survive, I am worried about the other businesses.”
In February, Ottawa dedicated practically $2 million for infrastructure enhancements within the neighbourhood.
Last week, council accredited a pilot growth potential reduction program aimed toward property tax reduction for small companies. Liu says he’d wish to see that expanded program expanded.
“It only applied to 25 out of 300 businesses in Chinatown,” he stated.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
