Construction is finally underway on a long-awaited T&T Supermarket in Burnaby.

The grocery store at Gilmore Place along Lougheed Highway was scheduled to open in summer 2025, but construction delays held the project back.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!

In a video update posted to social media, CEO Tina Lee says the project was in “permit hell for over two years.”

“The team is doing their best to keep it on schedule and on budget,” said Lee. “I probably announced it too soon, but it was like I couldn’t even keep the cat in the hat. Everyone buying condos in that area [was] so excited about it. So, I had to announce it earlier than expected, which means it’s been a long time waiting.”

In the video, Lee walks through the main building, which remains fairly empty aside from construction materials and concrete pillars. Lee says it’s a very difficult and complicated site to build.

“Weird ceiling heights, lots of services going through both the floor and the ceiling. Honestly, Vancouver is a very difficult place to build in. You can imagine how difficult it is to bring all of our supermarket equipment and our refrideration down into a mixed use with so many collums like that.”

Residents have been anxiously waiting for updates on the store, which would be the city’s second T&T location. Lee previously said their Metrotown location is often busy on the weekends and this added store would allow them to better serve the rapidly growing urban hub.

Lee also apologized for the delays and thanked locals for their patience.

“We’re going to get it done.”

T&T offers an assortment of Asian snacks, produce, and in-store prepared foods. The Gilmore location is also expected to offer popular street foods like popcorn chicken, sticky rice wraps and Chinese crêpes.

We’ve reached out to T&T Supermarket for more information on when the store is expected to open.