Since 1993, loyal customers have flocked to Nelly’s Grill, a casual brunch spot on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver’s Kitstilano neighborhood known for its friendly service and eggs Benedict.
But Nelly’s Grill, formerly Joe’s Grill, will close at the end of the month.
Owner Nelson Ma told CBC he made the difficult decision to close because of an impending rent increase of at least 40 per cent.
“When my rent goes up at least 40 percent, there’s no way I can survive… I’ve decided it’s time to move on,” Ma said.
The new owner of her building, who bought the place last September, told Ma that they will raise the restaurant’s rent when her lease expires at the end of 2023.
Nelly’s Grill owner Nelson Ma and longtime manager Joyce Yee appear at the restaurant Tuesday. Ma was told the rent would increase by 40 percent after her lease ends. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Ma initially tried to sell his business when the new owner took over, but he said buyers were not interested because of the rising rent.
“I’m just closing for the rent, nothing else… It’s not because we don’t do good business.”
“Smiling faces and the best bennies ever”
Fiona Scott, who lived in one of the two residential suites above Nelly’s Grill for more than seven years, was a regular customer. She went to Nelly’s the first week she moved in and said the mom and the staff soon became family friends.
“They were always very welcoming and it was very evident by the regulars they had in the dining room. I was happy to be a part of it.”
Fiona Scott lived in one of the residential suites above Nelly’s Grill for seven years and was a regular customer. (Fiona Scott)
Scott had to move out last month because the new owner has been renovating the suites for more than a year, she said, adding that she has no plans to return.
“I don’t think I’ve really had a clear answer on whether I could come back. I’m sure the rent is almost doubling,” Scott said.
Scott said he will miss the community at Nelly’s and his favorite order, the ‘Kitchen Sink,’ which he describes as “a good plate of everything.”
“They are family…their legacy is smiling faces and the best bennies ever.”
Patrons at Nelly’s Grill in Vancouver on Tuesday. Many say the restaurant is known for its friendly service and eggs Benedict. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Jane McFadden, executive director of the Kitsilano Business Association, said Nelly’s is a staple in the neighborhood — a great spot for early risers who want a good breakfast, those with a hangover and everyone in between.
“Everyone will miss this staff and this environment.
“It’s sad to see it go.”
“Local treasures will be priced out of the market”
The building’s new owner, a company called Novena Land, also owns the West 4th Avenue buildings that housed Bishop’s Restaurant and the former Peak Golf location.
of the bishop closed at the beginning of the year due to a rent increase, while Peak Golf told CBC they moved to a new building for the same reason.
Novena Land did not respond to CBC’s request for an interview.
Nelson Ma pictured at Nelly’s Grill in Vancouver on Tuesday. He says he is looking for a new place to operate in the future. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Vancouver city councilor Colleen Hardwick, a longtime customer of Nelly’s, said she is “heartbroken” to see the restaurant go.
She says the city can do little to protect local businesses since commercial rental protections fall to the province.
“Speculators are getting in on the action and that’s going to transform the neighborhood. As we’re already seeing, mom-and-pop stores, local treasures will be priced out of the market,” Hardwick said.
While Nelly’s is saying goodbye for now, Ma said she is looking for a space to operate in the future.
“I have a lot of good loyal customers and I really appreciate them. I really appreciate their patronage over the years.”