Nemesis founder unveils new Vancouver haven for nostalgic comfort food

To say that we live in interesting times would be an understatement, which is why finding comfort in everyday joys is so important. That’s why we’re excited about the impending opening of a Bam Bam, a “future nostalgic” restaurant in downtown Vancouver.

The team behind Nemesis, which was recently named among the best coffee shops in the world, is set to open Bam Bam, a new all-day concept that celebrates nostalgia with modern touches, on Wednesday, April 1.

According to Jess Reno, founder of Nemesis, Dope Bakehouse and Bam Bam, the latter will pull from various things that the team and their guests love, with plenty of mouthwatering comfort food on the menu.

You might also like:
• Comedy icon Adam Sandler stops for a steak at Squamish eatery
• 'Completely destroyed': Vancouver restaurant closes three months after opening due to fire
• Viral gourmet salad shop to open first West Coast location in Vancouver

“Bam Bam has its own original take as well, with different approaches to food, drinks, late night, daytime, nostalgia, and coffee, of course,” said Reno during a sneak peek at the 2,800 sq. ft. space at 160 West Georgia St.

“A lot of it ties back to how we grew up and the simple things that we loved. That definitely shaped the menu. And we’re using real quality ingredients. We’re trying to be really thoughtful in what we put together here.”

Fried chicken is one of the stars on Bam Bam’s menu. Bring an appetite to chow down on sandwiches such as the Classic Rosemary and Nashville Hot Fried, as well as Popcorn Chicken served with house sauces like Smoked Gherkins and Cucumber Dill Ranch.

Guests will also discover an array of sweet treats, including housemade donuts that rotate daily, alongside house-baked pasty rolls in varieties like Honey Sea Salt, Garlic Knot, and Meyer Lemon.

Diners can choose from combos like The Bam Bam, which will feature a chicken sandwich, potato sticks, a donut, and a drink, as well as The AM Classic, which is available until noon and features a breakfast sandwich, potato sticks, and a drink.

Those looking for a drink to start their day’s adventure or their next night out will enjoy trying selections like the Apple Pie & Rye, Strawberry Shiso Negroni, Pecan Pie Old Fashioned, and Hot Honey Margarita.

There will also be some cafe-style drinks to go with the comfort food, including a Cherry Matcha, Apple Pie Latte, Strawberry Chocolate Milk, and a range of cream sodas like Cherry Cola, Lemon Meringue, and Apple Pie.

“We’re just having fun with a bit of everything,” explained Reno. “Bam Bam is us unpacking ideas that feel us distinctly. The space feels pretty damn original, and a lot of it pulls from childhood and nostalgia, reinterpreted through our point of view.”

Diners can also go home with pieces from Bam Bam’s debut collection (designed and developed by Kali Gill-Desjardins and Reno), which draws on inspiration from vintage car culture, while reimaging it through a modern lens.

The brand’s bulldog iconography will be explored throughout, with each piece thoughtfully cut and sewn using premium fabrics.

Reno said that he is excited for guests to visit Bam Bam, and shared that the new comfort food restaurant is only just the beginning.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BAM BAM (@frombambam)

“We’ve got a lot more we want to do with Bam Bam, but for now, we’re just excited to have it out in the world,” said Reno. “What I enjoy the most with Bam Bam, Nemesis and Dope Bakehouse is the endless opportunity to create.

“We’re constantly creating, tweaking, just continuing to integrate and refine. That part brings a lot of joy. And beyond that, it’s seeing people move through it effortlessly. Just having another space in the city where you can hang out, make some memories, eat super tasty food, and feel connected to something.”

The new restaurant officially opens on April 1, 2026, with soft opening hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Bam Bam

Address: 160 West Georgia St., Vancouver

Instagram

Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok

With files from Marco Ovies