Marys on Davie announces closure
Mary's on Davie, a beloved institution and a beacon for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Vancouver's West End, is set to close its doors on March 13, marking the end of an era that began in 1979.
Originally launched as Hamburger Mary's by the visionary local drag queen, Mrs. G., the diner has been a hub of inclusivity for the queer community and beyond, offering a mix of diner fare, boozy shakes, and spirited drag performances that entertained audiences over the years.
Over the decades, Mary's on Davie has not just served meals; it has been a pivotal space for the community, standing out for its unwavering support for local charitable organizations. One such partnership has been with A Loving Spoonful, a non-profit providing free meals to people living with HIV, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to supporting the marginalized.
The transformation of Hamburger Mary's into Mary's on Davie in 2018 was spearheaded by new ownership. This change brought significant renovations and a refreshed identity, though the essence of the place — its brash, playful, fun, and irreverent spirit — remained intact. The revamp included leveraging the city's rare "Dual Liquor Licences," allowing the diner to morph into a performance venue by night, further cementing its role in the community's nightlife.
Described by its owners as "Canada’s longest-standing globally-inclusive restaurant," Mary's on Davie has been more than a place to eat. It has been a safe space where everyone, regardless of their background, could feel welcomed and celebrated. This globally inclusive approach meant embracing diversity, showcasing it through the venue's events, and actively participating in the broader conversation about inclusivity and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
However, in a news release on January 16, Hamburger Mary’s Davie Ltd wrote: Mary’s is like all other small businesses in Canada and struggling with the current challenges including CEBA repayments, inflation, labour shortages, and interest rates.
900,000 small businesses currently face the challenging January 18th deadline of how to handle their outstanding CEBA Loans. Restaurant industry experts claim we will see thousands of restaurants default on the loan and potentially go out of business. Mary’s on Davie is choosing to take these challenges head-on and evolving into what they consider to be the greatest evolution since its founding in 1979.
Unfortunately, by early March, the sad announcement of Mary’s upcoming closure was published.
But, while the closure of Mary's on Davie brings a chapter of Vancouver's rich cultural and social history to a close, the owners hint at future adventures that may allow the legacy of Mary's to live on in a new form or location. The possibility of relocation and the tease of an exciting venture soon to be unveiled keep the hope alive for fans and patrons of Mary's on Davie.
The diner's last day of operation is March 13. and will be a time for reflection on the many years of joy and community that Mary's on Davie has provided.
As Rachel Christensen, President of Hamburger Mary’s Davie Ltd said, “We are grateful for our longevity and our incredible customers.”
Mary’s on Davie is Canada’s longest-standing, globally-inclusive restaurant. Since 1979, Mary’s has been the restaurant of choice for Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Community and in return has supported numerous local charities and community groups. Mary’s on Davie is the 7th successful establishment in Vancouver to receive permission to operate with a Dual Liquor License. Mary’s on Davie Website