John 3:16 Malaysian Delights is one of those Richmond staples that feels like a hidden gem even though it’s constantly packed. Known for its incredible Hainanese Chicken, buttery Roti Canai, and deep-rooted family story, it’s a spot where the food genuinely feels “lovingly prepared.”
But if you’ve walked by their flagship No. 3 Road location lately, you’ve likely been met with a locked door and a very vague sign.
The Mystery Notice
On January 26, 2026, a notice appeared on the door announcing that the restaurant would be closed to undergo “renovations and upgrades.” The same notice is posted on their website. While that sounds like standard maintenance, there are a few red flags that have locals scratching their heads:
The “Kingspark” Precedent: We recently saw a nearly identical situation with Kingspark Steak House. They posted a reno notice, only for it to be revealed later that the business had actually been sold behind closed doors.
No Reopening Date: The notice is open-ended. Usually, a simple “upgrade” comes with a “See you in March!” or “Opening soon.”
The Timeline: We are now months into this closure with very little visible activity.
Real Reno or Rebrand?
Is the John 3:16 Richmond location actually getting a facelift? It’s possible. The brand has been on an aggressive expansion tear lately—opening an express stall in Aberdeen Centre and just launching a massive new location in Burnaby (Metrotown) in late 2025.
Sometimes, when a brand grows this fast, the original “hole-in-the-wall” location needs a serious overhaul to match the new corporate branding. However, it’s just as likely that they are focusing their energy on their newer, shinier locations and might be looking to offload the No. 3 Road unit.
Where to Get Your Fix
If you’re craving that Laksa and can’t wait for the mystery to solve itself, you still have options:
- John 3:16 Malaysian Express: Located in the Aberdeen Centre food court (limited menu).
- Vancouver Branch: The West Broadway location is still going strong.
- Burnaby Branch: Their newest flagship on Kingsway.
What do you think? Is this a genuine glow-up or are we looking at the end of an era for the No. 3 Road spot?
