One chapter in Vancouver's evolving plant-based dining scene is coming to an end this week as Yaletown's high-concept ZEND Conscious Lounge is closing down.
The vegan venture's closure comes at exactly the three-year mark. Launched in July 2015 by Steve Curtis, ZEND was conceived as a way to bring healthier, plant-based foods to the city.
ZEND Conscious Lounge/Facebook
They were known for their plant-based eats, events like "ZEND Talks," and their non-alcoholic botanical drinks, as well as their ZEND Elixir. Additionally ZEND is home to Canada's first Kava Kava Bar.
ZEND Elixir in 2016 (ZEND Conscious Lounge/Facebook)
However, ZEND announced recently that it was time to close up shop and get to work on the next chapter. In a newsletter, Curtis offers an explanation to the query that if the brand has been successful, why are they opting to close:
"The answer is: things are only worth doing if they are done right. To win in the food service business it takes deep focus and passion, precision execution, and the right story telling. With so many things on the go, it has been a challenge to keep the vision of Zend strong and alive. I have decided to take a break to refocus and relaunch with a new improved model in the very near future. With the lessons we’ve learned, insights from our valuable customers and team, we are excited to refocus, expand our platform and relaunch in the near future."
1130 Mainland Street/Google Street View
Previously, the ZEND space at 1130 Mainland Street was home to Regional Tasting Lounge. ZEND's space has been spotted on restaurant brokers' sites for some time now, though we don't know right now who will move into the Yaletown address.
And, according to Curtis, this isn't the end of ZEND: "Zend will live on. Our businesses will continue to support locally and expand internationally and we do expect to be back. We are currently looking for the right leader to lead and a slightly reduced menu, expanded drink section in our drink portfolio brand in a new location."
To send off ZEND, the restaurant is having a public Grand ZENDOff Party on Wednesday, July 4 from 6 to 10 pm.
