A switch-up is underway on Commercial Drive in East Vancouver as the second outpost of a local seafood store and restaurant has exited and a forthcoming branch of a popular local Vietnamese chain is prepping its debut.
The Fish Counter, which launched at 1818 Commercial Dr in February 2024, has officially "Gone Out of Business," as of the end of June, according to the City of Vancouver's business licence database.
Of course, for locals who frequent The Drive, that news should not come as a surprise, particularly as the location's next chapter has already been declared via signage on its exterior.
Local Vietnamese restaurant chain Pho 37 will be the next occupant of the space, which before Fish Counter spent 13 years as the Cannibal Cafe.
Pho 37 has restaurants in Richmond and Vancouver
Pho 37 opened its first location in Richmond's Ironwood Plaza in 2014, followed by a second outpost at Union Square in 2018. They later expanded to Robson Street in Vancouver.
The Union Square restaurant operated until 2023, at which time it relocated to a larger space within the same shopping plaza.
However, earlier this year, Pho 37 closed one of its Union Square locations. At the time, operators hinted that they would soon have some good news to share.
"We’re cooking up something exciting, and we can’t wait to share it with you soon. Stay tuned for what’s next!" they teased on social media at the time.
On July 20, they picked up the teasing. "We’re growing… and so is your pho addiction!" Pho 37 shared on its Instagram page. "Pho37 is opening another location in Vancouver! Same authentic flavour, brand new spot."
Now we know that new location will be on The Drive, thanks to the signs (and a pending business license application).
Award-winning Vietnamese food on its way to Commercial Drive
Pho 37 is known for its many pho options (Vietnamese noodle soup) and other dishes, like Com Suon Uop Xa (Charbroiled Lemongrass Pork on Rice), Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef), and Green Papaya Salad with Prawns, all served in a lively, casual, and often bustling atmosphere.
This year, Pho 37 was named "Best Vietnamese" in the Richmond News' annual A-List readers' choice awards. In 2024, the chain was a finalist for the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards in the Vietnamese category.
Today, the restaurant chain continues to serve patrons at its original Ironwood Plaza location, its newer Capstan Way location at Hazelbridge Way (Union Square), and its Robson Street restaurant, making the new Commercial Drive location its fourth.
On its website, Pho 37 has a "Coming Soon" banner with the date Oct. 8, 2025, which could be the target opening for the forthcoming Commercial Drive restaurant.
Meanwhile, for those seeking fish and chips in East Van, while the Fish Counter has said goodbye, not too far away on East Hastings Street you'll find the newly-opened Rumble Fish.
With a file from Valerie Leung
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