The “curse” of Unit 1360 at Aberdeen Centre has struck again.
Garaku Richmond closed its doors abruptly this week after the landlord, Fairchild Developments Ltd., officially terminated the lease. A legal notice posted on the front door reveals a staggering debt, with the tenant owing $53,746.09 as of March 1, 2026.
The Paper Trail to Eviction
The closure did not happen overnight. According to the posted documents, the landlord first notified the restaurant of the default back on January 19, 2026. A final notice followed on January 26, giving the owners a window to settle the mounting arrears.
When the debt remained unpaid by March, the landlord took decisive action. The notice gave the Garaku team until 4:00 PM on March 6 to vacate the premises and remove all personal property. As of today, the lights are off and their signature bear statue is the only thing left behind.
A Pattern at Aberdeen?
This eviction feels like a case of déjà vu for long-time Richmond foodies. Before Garaku moved in, this exact unit was occupied by Gram Cafe & Pancakes, which faced a nearly identical fate. Gram also had its lease terminated by Fairchild for unpaid rent, raising questions about whether the high-profile corner spot is simply too expensive for international franchises to sustain.
The Loss of a Sapporo Legend
While the drama centers on the $53,000 debt, the closure is a massive blow to the local food scene. Garaku was a legendary name from Sapporo, and this was their high-stakes entry into the Canadian market. Now, it joins the list of recent high-profile Richmond exits, including Seto Japanese Restaurant and Little Karp.
As of today, there has been no notice posted on their official website or any of their social media channels. Their Instagram remains frozen in time, with no mention of the $53,000 debt or the fact that the doors are now locked. For a brand that arrived with so much “viral” hype, the silence is deafening.
With another major unit sitting empty in Aberdeen Centre, the mall’s food landscape is looking increasingly thin.
