Beloved B.C. restaurant forced to close by landlord after nearly 30 years

The list of B.C. restaurant closures continues to grow with the news that a longtime comfort food destination has permanently closed in Whistler, but not by choice.

Zog’s, a fan-favourite permanent food stall in the heart of Whistler Village, announced that “after 28 amazing years,” they were forced to say goodbye.

“Due to an unexpected notice from our landlord, our lease will not be renewed — and sadly, that means we’ll be closing our business,” said Zog’s on social media and on its website.

You might also like:
• Comedian Bill Burr spotted at popular Vancouver cafe with wife and actress Nia Renee Hill
• Mountainside B.C. hotel named among best accommodations in the world
• Free holiday lights transform a magical village under two hours from Vancouver

Zog’s was located at 4340 Sundial Cres., Whistler, near the Sundial Hotel, and was renowned for its wallet-friendly eats.

Visitors from across B.C. and around the world enjoyed a menu of poutine, grilled hot dogs and burgers, beavertails, drinks, and more for nearly 30 years.

But due to Zog’s lease not being renewed, guests during the upcoming busy ski season will need to find another place to refuel at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Fans took to social media to share their disappointment in the news, calling Zog’s closure “brutal.” Some shared details of their first poutine at the eatery, while others revealed it was where they had their first date.

“Devastated to read this. You’re our favourite place to eat in Whistler,” said one supporter. “Major loss. I’m so sad.”

“Another whistler staple gone too soon,” added another commenter. “I’ll miss the smell of those fried onions as I walk up to the gondola.”

“Sucks because it was such a unique style of eatery in Whistler,” said a fan on Reddit. “You don’t get a lot of that in and around the village, especially that close to the mountain.”

Zog’s thanked their diners for all of their support over the past 28 years.

“We’re so grateful for every visit, every kind word, and every memory we’ve shared with you. Thank you for being part of our journey. We’ll miss you more than words can say.”

The poutine destination is not the only B.C. restaurant forced to close a location due to its landlord.

Popular coffee shop Hide + Seek announced in September that the new landlords for its Oak Bay shop in Victoria contacted them with some challenging business news.

“We just got a call from our [new] landlords for the Oak Bay shop — six months before we were expecting to start new lease talks — informing us that they are going to almost double our rent,” said Hide + Seek on Instagram. “They said there is no room for negotiation below that mark — real class acts.

“It’s crazy to build something over 10 years and find out over a one-minute phone call that the plug has been pulled.”