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HEADS UP: Movement To Save “Little Nest” Shifts Into Celebratory Remembrance Mode

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As most of our readers have likely already heard, kid-friendly and super successful Commercial Drive restaurant Little Nest is closing next month. Why? Because their landlord – Mr. Greedy – raised their rent by a ridiculous 50%.

On the heels of the recent announcement came the understandable beating of fists and rending of garments – over 2,000 people rallied around a Facebook page called Save Little Nest, volunteering little notes of best wishes and frustrated last rites – but since it doesn’t look like owner Mary Macintyre is going to open up in another location, the movement to save the eatery has now shifted into one looking to honour and celebrate it with a final expression of appreciation.

This so-called “Love-In” is set to take place at (and outside) the restaurant at 1716 Charles St. this Sunday from 12pm to 7pm. In addition to free coffee (donated by Ethical Bean) and a whole whack of kids’ activities, there will be a giant nest constructed a la minute by community members – “a hand-made, one-of-a-kind structure that’s safe and big enough for kids to play in.” The organizers are looking to raise awareness and a troop of of volunteers, as well as enough money to help fund the day’s many supplies. If you’re interested, click here, learn more, and get involved.

On a personal note, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mary and her crew at Little Nest for making wholesome, quality dining with small children such a unique pleasure. The net gain of Little Nest for the city of Vancouver is the example that they set. They put up a high, delicious bar. Let’s hope that it’s bested, often, and that present and future landlords can better resist the urge to gouge small businesses right out of the communities that they help to build.

There are 4 comments

  1. i’ll be crying bummed out hungry-for-decent-food-on-commercial-drive tears about the loss of little nest for a long ass time. “mr.greedy” made me chuckle, though!

    scout, what’s your fave food on commercial? any suggestions? besides tatsu, which we already frequent.

  2. Little Nest will be sorely missed on the Drive. It was such a wonderful place to take my granddaughters when they were little – no one gave dirty looks at crying babies or nursing mums and the kids loved it. We watched Mary’s own boys grow up there too. We’ll be back for our sad farewell.

  3. It’s so rare to find a restaurant in a city filled with endless restaurants to have such a strong following and support. That’s why I took part in this campaign and genuinely want a way for the community to stay together and keep the Little Nest spirit alive.

  4. Dearest Mary Gal
    When I was last in Vancouver you weren’t up and running yet, but I have kept track of you via Marthe.
    I’m so sorry that Mr Greedy has done to you what so many landlords have done to small biz in St Kilda and Fitzroy in Australia, which has ended with what have been community enclaves becoming, in some measure – small or greater – enclaves of chain and franchise stores, and hubs for tourists, where locals prefer not to go.
    It’s a pity that the Mr Greedy’s of the world cannot see the community value of keeping rents at manageable prices.
    Still, when all is said and done, you have, by all accounts, done a splendid job and made a lot of people of all ages very happy during the time you, your crew and Little Nest were doing your thing.
    I wish you all the best for the farewell love-in and hope that it’s a ripper of a day. Some sadness, no doubt, but lotsa love and good cheer too.
    Also wishing you all the best for whatever it is you’re going to do next, Mary.
    With love, Sandra