If you’ve travelled east on First Avenue, headed toward Highway 1, you’ve likely spotted the Poor Italian Ristorante.
Located at the corner of First and Rupert Street, at 3298 E 1st Ave., the eatery sticks out at an intersection that otherwise features two gas stations and a parking lot.
Whether the sighting prompted a thought of ‘I really should go there’ or you’ve been there many times before, the window to dine at the Hastings-Sunrise restaurant is closing.
After 16 years in business, the Poor Italian Ristorante will close following dinner service on Dec. 21.
In a news release shared this week, the restaurant team noted it has been “an honour” to operate in the community over the years.
“We’ve shared so many special moments with our guests and are profoundly thankful to everyone who has made Poor Italian Ristorante part of their lives.”
A reason for the closure was not provided in the release, but a glimpse at Google Maps yields a street-view photo of large, rezoning application sign posted out front of the building address.
That rezoning application was approved by the Vancouver City Council on Oct. 22, 2024. The planned development will reportedly include 63 secured rental units along with commercial space at street level.
The restaurant is one of several local eateries to shutter or announce a planned closure this year. The hospitality industry in Vancouver is struggling as costs increase and patronage declines.
Earlier this summer Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the B.C. Restaurant and Food services Association (BCRFA), noted that roughly half of restaurants in the province were either losing money or barely breaking even.
In its closure announcement, the Poor Italian Ristorante team urged Vancouverites to get out there and show “support for small, independent restaurants in your community.”
The Poor Italian Ristorante is open until the planned closure date from Thursday through Sunday for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 — 9:30 p.m. There is also a lunch service offered on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
—With files from Shawn Conner
Aharris@postmedia.com
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