BCRFA is your first call when challenges arise. Between our on-call HR expert, Gillian Macgregor and our connections throughout BC, we want to remove obstacles. Here are ways we have supported our community.

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Supporting 15,000 restaurants, 185,000 employees, and an industry contributing $18 billion to the economy

Discover how our work is making a real difference in the restaurant industry. Our case studies highlight the tangible results of our advocacy on behalf of B.C.’s restaurant and foodservice industry. From overturning costly regulatory decisions to securing lifelines during the pandemic and protecting legacy businesses, each case demonstrates how the BCRFA stands up for operators when it matters most. These stories aren’t just wins, they’re proof of what a strong, unified industry voice can achieve.

CASE STUDY #1

Preserving a Legacy:
Standing Up for Shaughnessy Restaurant

When Shaughnessy Restaurant faced losing its lease despite strong community support and post-pandemic recovery, the BCRFA stepped in. We brought a critical industry voice to City Council, highlighting the cultural and emotional significance of the restaurant. Our advocacy helped overturn the Parks Board’s recommendation, securing the lease for the long-standing operators and preserving a valued local institution.

  • After decades as a beloved part of Vancouver’s culinary and community landscape, Shaughnessy Restaurant was suddenly at risk of losing its lease.

    The Parks Board initiated a re-tendering process, opening the space to new bids, despite Shaughnessy's strong pandemic recovery and long-standing local support.

    With only two proposals submitted, one from the restaurant’s current operators and one from a new group, Parks staff recommended a shift to the new operator. The selection process focused heavily on technical, financial, and environmental criteria, ignoring the emotional and cultural importance of the business to the community.

  • The BCRFA stepped in. Our President & CEO, Ian Tostenson, attended the Vancouver City Council meeting where the lease decision was being reviewed.

    Ian delivered two key points:

    1. Risk of Transition: In the current economic climate, changing operators at a long-established restaurant carries significant risk; financial failure is more likely than success.

    2. The Missing Piece: The City’s evaluation missed an essential factor, the emotional and community value of the restaurant. Numbers matter, but so does legacy.

    Ian’s remarks brought a much-needed human and industry-centered perspective to the conversation.

  • City Council ultimately rejected the Parks Board’s recommendation to award the lease to the new operator. Several councillors referenced Ian’s comments directly during the discussion, reinforcing the power and influence of the BCRFA’s advocacy.

    Thanks to our involvement, the current owners of Shaughnessy Restaurant were able to retain their lease and continue serving their community.

  • This case illustrates the real-world impact of industry advocacy. It’s not just about policy; it’s about protecting businesses that matter.

    • Shaughnessy Restaurant isn’t just a business; it’s a community institution.

    • The BCRFA ensured that decision-makers understood that emotional and cultural value must be considered alongside financial metrics.

    • Without our intervention, a successful, legacy business might have been forced to shut down.

"Ian, thank you so much. Your voice carried a lot of weight. Several councillors quoted you. We are lucky to have your support."

Chris Chatten, Shaughnessy Restaurant

CASE STUDY #1

Preserving a Legacy:
Standing Up for Shaughnessy Restaurant

When Shaughnessy Restaurant faced losing its lease despite strong community support and post-pandemic recovery, the BCRFA stepped in. We brought a critical industry voice to City Council, highlighting the cultural and emotional significance of the restaurant. Our advocacy helped overturn the Parks Board’s recommendation, securing the lease for the long-standing operators and preserving a valued local institution.

  • After decades as a beloved part of Vancouver’s culinary and community landscape, Shaughnessy Restaurant was suddenly at risk of losing its lease. The Parks Board initiated a re-tendering process, opening the space to new bids, despite Shaughnessy's strong pandemic recovery and long-standing local support.

    With only two proposals submitted, one from the restaurant’s current operators and one from a new group, Parks staff recommended a shift to the new operator. The selection process focused heavily on technical, financial, and environmental criteria, ignoring the emotional and cultural importance of the business to the community.

  • The BCRFA stepped in. Our President & CEO, Ian Tostenson, attended the Vancouver City Council meeting where the lease decision was being reviewed.

    Ian delivered two key points:

    1. Risk of Transition: In the current economic climate, changing operators at a long-established restaurant carries significant risk; financial failure is more likely than success.

    2. The Missing Piece: The City’s evaluation missed an essential factor, the emotional and community value of the restaurant. Numbers matter, but so does legacy.

    Ian’s remarks brought a much-needed human and industry-centered perspective to the conversation.

  • City Council ultimately rejected the Parks Board’s recommendation to award the lease to the new operator. Several councillors referenced Ian’s comments directly during the discussion, reinforcing the power and influence of the BCRFA’s advocacy.

    Thanks to our involvement, the current owners of Shaughnessy Restaurant were able to retain their lease and continue serving their community.