9929 replies to this topic

[Sparky]

^ Yes in one of the new buildings at the corner of McKenzie and Cedar Hill.

[Matt R.]

Wow, I haven’t been out that way since the bank robbery.

[Fox]

Its not open yet, they seem to have missed their opening day announcements twice.

 

In other chicken news, Lee's Chicken in Esq closed down.

[lanforod]

It's very close to opening though. It 'looks' like its open. I'd guess any day now...

[conga]

New Italian Restaurant just dropped

 

https://victoriabuzz...toria-location/

 

Lumache, opened last week at the space formerly occupied by Ate* on Douglas

Edited by conga, 14 December 2025 - 12:10 PM.

[m3m]

I went to a pop up they did at cafe brio a while back. Truly fantastic. Very excited about this.

[m3m]

Quebec coffee shop chain Cafe Depot is opening in the corner of Douglas and Pandora in the old money mart spot.

Henzo’s chicken food truck is opening a location in the old subway on Pandora and quadra

[Victoria Watcher]

Excellent turn-key business for sale. Well-established Japanese restaurant situated in a high-traffic shopping centre in West Saanich. This full-service restaurant features a fully equipped commercial kitchen, walk-in cooler, and liquor license in place. Strong local presence with consistent customer base. A rare opportunity for an owner-operator or investor to acquire a proven business. Please do not approach staff. All showings by appointment only. Please verify all data if important.

 

 

$299,900

 

 

A 4454 West Saanich St
Saanich, British Columbia V8Z3E9

 

https://www.realtor....anich-royal-oak

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 16 December 2025 - 07:22 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Award-Winning Fish & Chips Restaurant – Peninsula’s Best This highly regarded, award-winning Fish & Chips restaurant has been recognised as: Best Fish & Chips on the Peninsula, and Annual Winner – Best Fish & Chips (Readers’ Choice), Peninsula News Proudly supported by the local community, this well-run restaurant is ideally located on a busy main road in Sidney, with: Plenty of on-site and nearby parking A bus stop just meters from the door Indoor seating plus a covered outdoor patio area A liquor licence in place A well-established, equipped kitchen Currently trading only 5½ days per week, there is significant growth potential through: Extending trading hours Introducing delivery services Expanding the menu or promotions The current owner is taking early retirement, creating a rare opportunity to acquire a thriving, reputable business with strong local support and excellent upside. A great catch for any buyer looking for a proven, profitable hospitality venture! Call or email for further details: Julie 250 818-3483 julie@julieswift.com

 

 

$250,000

 

 

10155 Resthaven Dr

 

https://www.realtor....dney-north-east

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 17 December 2025 - 05:35 PM.

[conga]

Santiago's in James Bay set to close, as per Huntington Manor on facebook. Last day this Sunday.

[Matt R.]

I haven’t been there in ages but it sure used to be good, really good. Wonder who’s next?

[Victoria Watcher]

[conga]

Koto Sushi is closed, as per a post on reddit/r/victoria

[Victoria Watcher]

The Western Standard has details on a petition Quebec franchisees sent to the House of Commons human resources committee.

 

“Temporary foreign workers are currently the only labour force truly available to fill positions that Quebec workers refuse, students cannot take and newcomers do not target,” the franchisees wrote.

“Without them, many services will close or drastically reduce their operating hours.”

The story, first documented by Blacklock’s Reporter, says the franchisees in question were from Sept-Iles and Baie Comeau on Quebec’s north shore of the St. Lawrence across from the Gaspé Peninsula.

The unemployment rate across Quebec is 5.1%, well below the national average of 6.5% and Quebec’s participation rate of 64.5% is just a bit below the national rate of 65.1%. While the youth unemployment rate in Quebec is well below the national average of 12.8% for those aged 15-24, it still comes in at 7.4%.

Are we really to believe that workers can’t be found at all without importing them to take cheaper wages? Or is it that these franchisees may need to pay more than the $16.10 per hour that Quebec’s minimum wage currently sits at?

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 23 December 2025 - 07:05 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Koto Sushi is closed, as per a post on reddit/r/victoria

 

Goes back to at least 2009, StreetView says.

[Matt R.]

An old cook friend of mine lives in Montreal, cheap crappy apartment, no money, has to pawn stuff to make ends meet sometimes, lives off welfare payments. Able bodied, very early 40’s, great cook too but prefers to hang out all day being creative.

I don’t doubt for a second these places are having a hard time finding locals to work.

[Matt R.]

I am not familiar with this one but there was a Japanese restaurant in the Hudson market that has now popped up again operating out the Little Piggy catering space on Viewfield. Menu looks great. The industry buzz is that this guy’s food is fabulous.

https://oota-ya.squa...CUUMEDZXTXSWYUF

[Victoria Watcher]

An old cook friend of mine lives in Montreal, cheap crappy apartment, no money, has to pawn stuff to make ends meet sometimes, lives off welfare payments. Able bodied, very early 40’s, great cook too but prefers to hang out all day being creative.

I don’t doubt for a second these places are having a hard time finding locals to work.

Quebec welfare rate for a single employable is about $1,300/mo. More if you can pile on some issues I suppose.

[Matt R.]

I see this all the time since Covid, folks would rather be poor than work regular hours. Hit up the food bank, panhandle a little, whatever. The idea is they make $10 an hour sitting on their ass, so working for $18 means they are making $8 an hour.

[Mike K.]

Do your colleague’s parents own a home in Victoria?