by Andrew Morrison | Perch Restaurant closed today. The sustainability-focused locavore restaurant on the top floor of UBC’s new student nest didn’t last six months, which is to say it didn’t even really get to show off all four of Vancouver’s seasons, let alone its amazing patio space and 2,500 sqft rooftop garden (fed with composted kitchen scraps). What a shame. From the press release:
The AMS Student Society of UBC Vancouver (AMS) has made the difficult decision to close Perch Restaurant, effective immediately.
Located on the rooftop of the AMS Student Nest, the non-profit restaurant opened in September 2015 to lend support to AMS student programs, including SafeWalk, Speakeasy, and the Sexual Assault Support Centre. Perch Restaurant’s priority has always focused on giving back to students while providing a contemporary dining experience on campus.
Before construction started on the new AMS Student Nest approximately seven years ago, a campus-wide survey was conducted for UBC students to determine how the space was to be utilized. One result was a contemporary dining space on campus, featuring fresh local ingredients, which became Perch. After six months in operation, it became apparent that Perch did not catch on with students. The traffic required to fund these vital on-campus services did not materialize.
“It was a very difficult decision to close Perch. If you had a chance to eat at Perch, you know the food and the service was incredible. The Perch team is extremely talented and worked hard to create a truly unique dining experience,” said Aaron Bailey, AMS president.
The majority of Perch’s staff will be redistributed into other AMS food services.
The AMS is currently working to conceptualize the best long-term use of the space. In the meantime, the existing space at Perch will still be available as a rental venue for private parties, weddings, and conferences, with food provided through the AMS Conferences + Catering. As well, it will be opened to students as a lounge space.
The AMS thanks students, faculty, community, partners, and most importantly, the Perch staff for supporting the restaurant since its opening.
Here are some images of its construction arc and opening day.
ALL ANTICIPATED OPENINGS
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BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!!!!
It was a stupid idea to begin with students don’t have money to eat there, there was no parking anywhere for non students.
They also paid all their staff like shit and they’ll continue to get paid like shit wherever else they work.
And El furniture warehouse moves in….
Also @ART go duck yourself
It was ridiculously over-priced and fussy. The rooftop garden runs as a student club, and will remain long after the Perch disappears. Who says local and sustainable has to mean uncomfortable and unwelcoming? Koerner’s Pub at UBC has great menu (UBC-farm sourced, Oceanwise, etc) and still manages to feel like a place you want to spend time in.