Vancouver’s Matchstick coffee shop chain to close all locations
‘It is with a heavy heart that we announce we will be winding down operations at Matchstick Coffee,’ the Vancouver coffee shop staff shared on Instagram
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A popular Vancouver coffee shop chain is set to close all of its locations.
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In a post shared to Instagram, Matchstick Coffee staff stated it will close three of its cafes in and around the city by April 1. The local company’s fourth location, on Davie Street, will close “in the near future.”
“Over the last few years, the landscape of our industry has shifted dramatically,” the post reads, citing the pressures of the economy on small businesses. “After exploring every possible avenue, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors.”
According to Matchstick owner Luke Evanow the closure of the coffee shops was a “deeply personal” conclusion to come to.
“We know how much these cafes meant to the daily lives of our neighbours, and closing them is incredibly hard,” Evanow said. “But given the current economic environment, we had to make the tough choice to wind down operations.”
The first of the Matchstick locations to close will be in Yaletown at 1328 Richards St. on March 1, followed by Riley Park at 4807 Main St. on March 15.
The original Matchstick, which kicked off the company’s story when it opened in the Fraser neighbourhood at 639 East 15th Ave. in 2012, will close on April 1.
The coffee shop’s team noted the decision to close was not made lightly, citing its relationship with its staff and customers as its biggest success.
“Thank you for being part of our story in these neighbourhoods. We are incredibly grateful for every cup you’ve shared with us,” the post read.
Employees of the locations will be supported through the closure, according to Matchstick team’s post.
“Our immediate priority right now is closing respectfully and ensuring our team is supported with the notice and severance they deserve,” Evanow said. The company plans to honour “all commitments” to its employees, landlords and suppliers amid the closure.
Matchstick Coffee co-owner Spencer Viehweger and his wife, co-owner Annie Viehweger, resigned from their roles following the complaints, divesting themselves from all shares in the company.
—With files by Stephanie Ip, Postmedia News
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