Located at 115-3800 Chatham St, Richmond BC, Chew Chew Canada was unlike anything else in Vancouver’s food scene. Billed as Vancouver’s first hotpot and poke restaurant for pets, this creative concept allowed dogs to experience their own version of a DIY dining adventure.
Just like a self-serve hotpot spot for humans, dogs could wander around an ingredient bar, sniff through a variety of meats, vegetables, and toppings, and “choose” what they wanted. Their selections were then weighed and cooked by staff, creating a warm, freshly prepared meal tailored just for them.
It was a whimsical and heartfelt idea — one that reflected the creativity of its co-founders, Fairchild TV host Suiki Zhang and Exit Canada owner Justin Tan.
A Heartfelt Farewell from the Founders of Chew Chew Canada
After just 2 months of operation, Chew Chew Canada announced through Instagram that their final day of service will be October 26. The announcement was filled with warmth and gratitude:
“After an incredible chapter filled with wagging tails, laughter, and love, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Chew Chew. Every day, we’ve seen more new followers, posts, and shares — people who truly loved the idea of a full-sensory dining experience for pets.”
They went on to thank their supporters, sharing stories of customers who drove hours or even crossed borders just to experience this one-of-a-kind spot. The message ended with a bittersweet farewell:
“This project has been a labor of love — one built on heart, risk, and belief… While it hasn’t been easy to sustain, we’ll always be proud that Chew Chew sparked conversations, inspired creativity, and proved that dreams built from love (and dogs!) are worth chasing.”
They shared this heartfelt message on Instagram:
Community Reaction and Support
In the comments, fans and pet lovers expressed both sadness and admiration. One user summed it up perfectly:
“Most people don’t follow their passions or have the courage to start something innovative. You should be proud of yourselves — we’re sure you learned a lot. Good luck in your next chapter!”
It’s clear that Chew Chew Canada left a lasting mark on Vancouver’s creative dining scene, even if its life was short-lived.
The Challenges of Running a Concept Like Chew Chew
Despite the enthusiasm around the concept, reviews on Google often mentioned the high cost as a recurring issue. The restaurant’s team even addressed this directly in a public response:
“As the first pet exclusive restaurant in the world, we’ve been operating at a loss every day, and it’s become clear that not every pet owner is looking for or willing to invest in a fresh, customized meal for their pet.”
It’s a reminder of how difficult it can be to sustain passion-driven, novelty-based ventures — especially in today’s economy. For many, Chew Chew Canada was a fun, one-time experience to enjoy with friends and their pets. But turning such a niche idea into a profitable, repeatable business model proved challenging.
A Creative Idea Worth Celebrating
Even though Chew Chew Canada is closing, it deserves recognition for its courage and originality. In a city known for its thriving food culture, few concepts have managed to blend creativity, community, and pet love quite like this one.
If you’ve been curious to check it out, October 26 will be your last chance before this heartwarming chapter officially comes to an end.
🐾 Big fan of unique dining experiences? Check out our other restaurant reviews on BiteBuddy Blog.