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.
The Challenge
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.
What We Did
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:
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.
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.
The Outcome
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.
Why it Matters
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