After nearly 70 years, New West's favourite waffle restaurant is closing shop.
The Waffle House dates back to the 1950s, when founder Susan Chew opened up a small premises on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Sixth Street. The place gathered a loyal clientele, including local radio and newspaper reporters, and Chew became something of a legend herself.
The restaurant remained in the family for generations before it was passed on to the current owner, who worked at the restaurant while Chew was around. The new management has kept Chew's legacy alive after she died in 2021.
However, current manager Gagan Basi said rezoning has forced the Waffle House to close shop at its longtime location.
The restaurant has lovingly catered to the New West community with fresh, warm waffles, Basi said.
"I think the Waffle House has been a staple in New West since 1954, when Susan Chew opened it," she said. "Even back then, for her to create something like this and do something like this, I think is amazing. And I think it's important to a lot of people here. A lot of people that come in, their grandparents went to the Waffle House, and then they brought their children and their children bring their children in. It's a cool tradition."
Before the news of rezoning, Basi and her team prepared for the opening of a second location at the King George Hub development area in Surrey. However, Basi said, she couldn't find a suitable place in New West for relocation, and hopes that they are able to find a spot in New West to bring the iconic restaurant back closer to the community.
The new location in Surrey will be "much smaller," seating between 40 and 50 people, compared with the 150 in New West, she said. It will open sometime in December.
Although they will leave New West with a heavy heart, she said that she is excited for the new project in a location, where they can introduce Susan Chew's classic recipes as well as a revamped menu in Surrey. "I just want everyone to feel welcome and feel cozy like they're at home eating at their kitchen table," she said.
"That's the kind of esthetic and vibe that we're trying to create there. We've been really happy that we were able to be here for the amount of time we were here and be a part of this history. It's such a beautiful thing to be a part of, and we're really hopeful that one day we will reopen up shop here."
-with files from Cornelia Naylor
