If you’ve walked past the 8100-block of Ackroyd Road lately, you probably noticed something missing.
YGF Malatang Richmond closed its doors without a formal goodbye notice. It’s a bit of a shock considering they were part of a massive global chain, but being located just two doors down from the juggernaut that is Bigway Hot Pot is a tough spot for anyone.
While Bigway usually has a line snaking out the door, YGF always seemed like the quieter, “no-wait” alternative. It looks like “no-wait” eventually turned into “no-customers,” as the fierce competition in Richmond’s malatang scene continues to peak.
We Peeked Inside
The BiteBuddy team did a little investigative peeking through the windows, and the scene inside is definitely “mid-move.” We spotted staff (or maybe the owners) working hard to clear the space. There are cardboard boxes scattered across the floor, working gloves left on the counters, and while the tables are still present, the signature refrigerated shelves are completely empty of food.
It’s hard to tell if this is the YGF team doing a final cleanup or if a new tenant has already swooped in to start prepping the next big thing. Either way, the “world’s largest malatang chain” is officially out.
Who Was YGF (Yang Guo Fu)?
For those who didn’t know, YGF isn’t just some local mom-and-pop shop. It is actually the largest malatang chain in the world, with over 6,000 locations globally. They were famous for their milky, bone-broth base (which supposedly has milk and sugar in the recipe!) and were the first malatang brand to actually go public with an IPO.
Even with that global muscle behind them, the Richmond market is a different beast entirely. Between rising food costs and the “Bigway effect”, it seems even the world’s biggest chain couldn’t maintain its footing on this block.
The Richmond “Quiet Closure” Trend
YGF isn’t the only one slipping away into the night. We’ve noticed a few other spots in Richmond that have gone dark recently with zero announcements:
- Meiten Japanese Katsu & Bar: This Aberdeen Centre spot, known for its all-you-can-eat katsu, has quietly permanently closed. If you peer through the window, the bar is still fully stocked with glassware, looking like the staff just walked out one day and never came back.
- Garaku Soup Curry: Another big name from Japan that didn’t make it. Their lease was recently terminated after reportedly owing over $50k in back rent. It’s a sad end for a brand that had so much hype during its opening months.
What’s Next for 8100 Ackroyd?
With the signage already down at YGF, we expect a new tenant to be announced fairly quickly.
Are you a die-hard Bigway fan, or were you a secret YGF supporter? Let us know if you’re sad to see this global giant leave Richmond over on Instagram!
