Member Stories

Strathcona is a hub for creative agencies of all kinds.

From branding and marketing to VFX and animation there are so many unique businesses to discover that work within this space. 

You can find at least a dozen businesses located in our Vancouver neighbouhood that can get the job done for almost all of your creative needs. Keep reading for an extensive list of creative agencies in Strathcona – we hope you discover something new!

If you are a creative agency in Strathcona and would like to be added to the list please contact info@strathconabia.com

weareskeletoncrew.ca

A creative studio specializing in brand and communications. Whether they’re building a brand from the ground up, or creating a campaign that makes one famous, crafting ideas that have real depth and relevance is what puts wind in their sails.

mondaycreative.co

Brand and marketing strategists, writers, and designers who’ve honed their craft at fast-moving direct-to-consumer brands and agencies. They’ve come together to help boundary-pushing performance brands reach new heights. 

burnkit.com

Burnkit is brand and digital. Driven by ideas, inspired by technology, and passionate about elevating design, they are a creative studio that works with best-in-class brands across a variety of sectors and industries. They provide services for interactive, brand development, graphic identity, packaging and print design.

form3.com

At Form3, industrial designers work together with product engineers, resulting in a powerful union of technical and aesthetic expertise. They share a passion for design and a desire to make the world a better place through long-lasting, high-quality products. Their diverse team of international designers come from a mixture of disciplines, including Industrial Design, Product Design, and various engineering backgrounds.

wethecollective.com

We the Collective helps entertainment brands better understand, engage, and relate to youth audiences through digital experiences. They create fun, educational and immersive marketing experiences that are never about the hard sell, and always about connecting to the brand. Specializing in Video Games, Toys, Movies & Television, and Music. A digital-first creative agency.

higharchy.com

Brand builders, believers in the magic of an idea and driven to win. They are people who love what they do, where they do it and that their work is driven by purpose. They build and invest in cannabis brands that give back to people and the planet.

goldtooth.com

Goldtooth is an award-winning creative agency, production company, animation, live action and VFX studio, based in Vancouver, BC.

fuseinteractive.ca

A seasoned group of planners, designers & developers with years of experience making simple and complex websites & applications (and everything in between).

thebannermen.com

The Bannermen design banner ads for websites, social media & programmatic advertising campaigns. They are the digital display, MPU & rich media specialists. With offices in London, UK and Vancouver, Canada, they have not one but two offices ready to help you get your digital display campaigns out the door.

hotsoupgroup.com

Hot Soup Marketing Group is a vertically integrated network of creative teams, aligned to help you navigate today’s complex marketing systems. As a group, their mission is simple: they build relationships with clients to drive progress, process, and change. Hot Soup Marketing Group provides its clients with strategic marketing services, branding and campaign management. But more importantly, they believe in nurturing a relationship that fosters growth.

domain7.com

Domain7 is a change agency fostering innovation through people-centric methods. Their vision is to co-create a more empathetic world. They offer a holistic set of services to achieve meaningful organizational change, including digital transformation, facilitation and workshops, organization design, and digital civic engagement.

wearejunction.com

Junction builds digital from the inside out. Services include digital strategy, social media strategy, training program development, workshops, coaching, and team development.

Every week, Junction authors The Brief, a thoughtful email about what’s happening in digital, what you should (or shouldn’t) be paying attention to, and why it matters. Visit their website to learn more.

Chapel Arts creates one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces using local hardwood.

With a team of local makers from all walks of life Chapel Arts is located in the heart of Strathcona and produces beautiful hardwood pieces made from walnut, oak, maple and reclaimed fir.

Their stunning furniture and collector pieces are created from ethically sourced urban and rural hardwood trees, not from deforestation and traditional logging practices.

Read more about the Chapel Arts and the impact they are making in Strathcona and beyond.

When did your love for woodworking begin and when did you decide to turn your passion into a business?

How does your work impact or engage with the community?

Where can we find you?

Studio and shop at 305 Dunlevy Avenue.

Our showroom, West Coast Wood Slabs by Chapel Arts at 79 W 3^rd Ave.

Or online at chapelarts.com, Instagram at @chapelarts and @westcoastwoodslabs

Interested in meeting more Strathcona makers? Learn more about Settlement Brewing, Birdies, Scavenger Coffee, Orii Jewelry, Yardi Grabz, Living Lotus Chocolate and Awesome Sauce Designs.

From artist and maker spaces to meeting rooms and more here are 4 co-working spaces operating in Strathcona.

Co-working space and space sharing in Strathcona are on the rise. As the freelance economy grows in our city, so does the selection of uniquely wonderful co-working spaces.

Strathcona has long attracted those that are adaptable, inventive, non-conformist and genuinely creative. If you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, maker, or artist looking for the perfect workspace to build something meaningful, one of these Strathcona spaces may be for you. 

Here is a breakdown of the different features and amenities you’ll find.

If you are a co-working space in Strathcona and would like to be added to the list please contact info@strathconabia.com

Location: 308-877 E Hastings

Inviting, clean, and comfortable, MakeShift Work Space is a beautiful thirds floor space that gets flooded with natural light and boasts great views of the City and mountains. The space is designed to inspire productivity (think defined quiet work spaces, functional meeting rooms, private phone booths) while also encouraging members to connect in the social areas throughout the space.

Size:4250 sq ft

Services: shared or dedicated desk,  Private offices, virtual office, meeting space, event space rental

Special Features:

• Managed reception
• Super-fast wifi
• Innovative technology 
• 24/7 access
• Sit-stand desks
• Printer/copier/scanner
• Secure Bike Storage
• Equipped Kitchen

Pricing: https://makeshiftworkspace.com/coworking/

Location: 209-1275 Venables Street

Werklab is a hub for personal and professional development. With a focus on integrative wellness, Werklab provides members with a host of services and resources to ensure they are living their best lives all day every day. The space is carefully curated to allow spirituality, mindfulness, and wellness to flourish and in turn, inspire productivity and growth. 

Size: 3800 Sq ft  

Services: shared and dedicated desk space, private office, event space rental, photo studio rental, meeting space

Special Features:

• 24/7 access
• Mediation zone
• Daily wellness class
• Change room and beauty bar
• Aromatherapy station
• Secure bike room
• Printer
• Organized lunch service
• Discounts at partner businesses

Pricing: http://www.werklab.com/

Location: 780 E Cordova St

MakerLabs is a maker space in Vancouver that provides the tools, space and skills to make almost anything. The communal areas include a wood shop, metal shop, CNC router table, laser cutters, sewing machines, Design Lab with 3D printer, and electronics area. Each tool and work area has corresponding safety and orientation classes. In addition, MakerLabs has a coworking space, the CoLab, where members can work together in a quiet space. MakerLabs is a space of collective innovation with several access options, from drop-ins to full private studio space. 

Size: 42,000 sq ft

Services:, shared tool and work area space, private studio, meeting space, event space rental 

Special Features:

• Classes and Workshops
• Front Desk Reception (12pm-9pm)
• 24/7 access 
• Physical mailing address
• Communal social space
• Cooking space
• Tool Dashboard (to check status of tools)

Pricing: https://www.makerlabs.com/membership

Location: 552 + 554 Clark Drive

All are invited to come to play. SPACE seeks to foster a culture of innovation where connections between members generate new possibilities for projects and allow for ideas to become realized. The people at SPACE represent a diversity of disciplines, specialties and practices, including industrial design, biotech, woodworking, textile design and many more.

Services: Shared space access, designated desk, larger designated space for teams

Special Features:

• 24/7 Access
• Use of shared spaces
• Use of hand tools
• Storage for your tools and basic supplies
• Discounts at partner businesses
• Event space opportunities
• Emerging Artist Residency

Pricing: https://www.spacetospace.co/

Bonnie is the founder of Make Nice Company – an eco-friendly dish soap company that aims to reduce plastic consumption worldwide.

Make Nice Company’s products are made right in Strathcona and use natural ingredients and delicious scents like citrus, eucalyptus and mint. Their ultra-concentrated dish soap replaces up to 3 bottles of traditional dish soap and their product line also includes accessories like scrub brushes and soap trays.

Get to know Bonnie and her journey below.

Tell us a bit about your business and what you do?

When did your love for soap begin and how did you decide to turn it into a business?

How does your work impact or engage with the community?

Where can we find you?

Check us out at makenicecompany.com or on social @makenicecompany. 

Interested in meeting more Strathcona makers? Learn more about Settlement Brewing, Birdies, Scavenger Coffee, Orii Jewelry, Yardi Grabz, Living Lotus Chocolate and Awesome Sauce Designs.

Vancouver Mural Festival 2022

It’s been another successful year of Vancouver Mural Festival and we’re thrilled to welcome some brand new murals to the Strathcona neighbourhood for 2022, including one sponsored by the Strathcona BIA. In total, four new murals came to the Clark Drive area this year as part of Vancouver Mural Festival in partnership with local property owners and businesses, adding a whole new level of vibrancy to this corridor. Along with traditional wall murals, 12 Strathcona BIA tree-planter murals in and around East Hastings were refreshed with a new mural design by Zac George.

Public art has the power to help strengthen the connections between all who share space here. We are proud to be a part of supporting more vibrant public murals for all to enjoy, in particular focusing on uplifting Indigenous artists and dedicating more visual space in Strathcona to their impactful work. 

To learn more about Strathona’s murals you can book a walking tour via Vancouver DeTours or visit vanmuralfest.ca for city-wide updates and info. Be sure to download their app for an up-to-date map of murals throughout the city. 

Here’s where you can find new Strathcona Murals.

VMF Map 

620 Clark Drive (at Frances St.)

Artist: Jennifer Clark

Title: Imaginal Discs

Jennifer Clark’s paintings explore themes around the natural world, psychology and the polarities of what it means to be human in our contemporary culture.  

Artist Statement:

This mural is located on a building that is home to Canada’s first Recovery Cafe operated by the Kettle Society. This space is a refuge for individuals seeking recovery from homelessness, poverty, isolation, substance use and other mental health challenges.

Butterflies and moths are the primary imagery representing symbols of transformation. Through the process of metamorphosis, they are changing, shifting, and forming. The same can be said for the community at Kettle, their lives are shifting in new directions. The flight of the butterfly is symbolic of hope, the yellow and blue squares reference light, matter, pixels, stars and individuals in a community, together. The white shapes in the background bring light, something necessary to illuminate a path forward. Nature carries within its design a kind of poetry that we can learn from.

Perhaps if we study and appreciate the complexity of nature we will take good care of it, as well as ourselves because the two are connected and are part of a bigger whole.

620 Clark Drive (at Frances St.)

Artist: Corey Bulpitt

Title: This is an Invitation to Leave Your Armour at the Door

Corey Bulpitt also known as Ta’kiid Aayaa or “Gifted Carver” by the Haida of the Naikun Raven clan, is from the Naikun Raven Clan. He completed his studies at Langley Fine Art School, apprenticed for Haida artist Christian White, and worked for Haida master carver Jim Hart at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, BC. Corey is a multimedia artist with a background as a graffiti artist and practice in totem pole and mask carving. 

Artist Statement:

This mural depicts a scene of sea, land and sky, with mountains and the moon in the background, with a killer whale fin, paddlers in a canoe and a cedar branch in the foreground.

The mountains represent what the Dudes have overcome, the paddlers represent the Dudes on their journey, the killer whale fin represents those that have gone on before them.

The moon represents the female energy which is important to them all even in this male-based group. The cedar branch represents medicine.

1295 Frances Street (Meridian Landscaping)

Artist: Caleb Ellison-Dysart

Title: miskinâhk

Caleb Ellison-Dysart is a nîhithaw (Cree) artist living on Coast Salish territories. His family comes from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation & Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba, and the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Caleb specializes in 3D Animation, Murals, Design & Illustration. His process-driven work is finely crafted to celebrate Cree culture and incorporate stories that centre around physical and spiritual connections to land.

Artist Statement:

Turtle Island is the name that various Indigenous nations have always called “North America” since time immemorial. The name comes from oral histories and creation stories that tell of a turtle who holds the world on its back. It is important, now more than ever, that we take care of Turtle Island and all its inhabitants. Let’s not forget our responsibility to the life around us.

912 Clark Drive (Fujiya Japanese Foods)

Artist: Mia Okhi

Title: Protect Our Trees

Mia Ohki is a Métis-Japanese-Canadian Artist specializing in illustration.

Artist Statement:

“Protect Our Trees” features three bonsai trees: the first is a cherry blossom tree, the middle pot has a person in a kimono tending a fir tree sapling, and the last features a Japanese maple tree. The kimono is adorned with traditional Métis beadwork designs that connect to the roots of the sapling. The cherry blossom with the image of Japan’s Mount Fuji on the pot is protected by a shimenawa warding off evil spirits. The Japanese maple tree’s pot has Vancouver’s “The Lions” mountain range carved on its surface.

“千樹の森を守ろう” on the center pot roughly translates to “Protect Ancient Trees”, with emphasizes the importance of protecting sacred trees. Considering the long history of Fujiya in Vancouver, the title of the design has two meanings: we must protect the trees in British Columbia, pillars of the coastal forest, and we must support the pillar businesses of the Vancouver community.

Various locations

Artist: Zac George

Zac George is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. He was born and raised in North Vancouver and now lives in Chehalis, BC. His work is inspired by his late grandparents, Chief Dan and Amy George, and Robert and Betty Edge. Zac studied carving with Don Joe of Chehalis and is proud to use the Coast Salish artistic style. He lives the rich cultural lifestyle of the Salish People: he is a hunter and a fisherman and follows the traditional spirituality practiced by his people for centuries.

Artist Statement: The sacred mountain sees everything and has the ability to pray for and watch over the people of Vancouver. Our mountains hold a lot of history and strength and if you look over to the North Shore, you’ll understand.

Bike To Shop returns this summer from August 13 – 21.

Hub Cycling’s Bike To Shop event is back this August 13 – 21. Local businesses in neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver are offering amazing freebies and sweet deals for people biking to their businesses. 

Get on your bike and come join the Bike to Shop movement with us! As always, registration is 100% free. 

Register here and find the full schedule, including all participating businesses, here.

Visit these Strathcona businesses during Bike To Shop for great deals and delicious freebies.

Map of Itinerary

AWEN HAUS

780 E Cordova St

10% discount for anyone who bikes to Makerlabs.

Awen Haus is a collective of makers focused on beauty, function, quality, creativity, innovation and ingenuity. Come discover their products showcased under one roof at MakerLabs.

COASTAL EDEN CAFE

643 E Hastings St

One free baked good with a purchase of a coffee, tea, or smoothie. Until sold out. 

The Eden Cafe is a social enterprise, dedicated to providing great coffee and food in a welcoming space for people from all walks of life. All proceeds from the Eden Cafe go directly into the Eden DTES program.

CONTAINER BREWING

1216 Franklin St

Buy a beer to stay and get a free cookie. OR buy beer to go and get 15% off.  

Industrial-chic brewpub with a two-level tasting room and lounge, plus one of the best outdoor brewery patios in the city. Munch on eats from the Burdy food truck, including their legendary Chicken Parm sandwich.

ENTERPRISING WOMEN MAKING ART (EWMA)

800 E Hastings St

Complimentary coffee/iced tea. Plus enter to win an original art item from the EWMA Store with each purchase of $20 or more. 

EWMA supports emerging women artists and artisans in the Downtown Eastside community – over 30 local artists are featured at their store! When you shop local here, you support their programming that lifts women up in the community. Find greeting cards, specialty ornaments, pottery, beautiful jewelry and more.

LIVLITE

807 Powell St

Complimentary snacks and a coupon.  

Livlite provides zero waste groceries for delivery or pick-up in Strathcona. They carry everything from quality pantry staples, specialty brands, and tons of local produce and essentials. Goods are stored in returnable, reusable, or compostable vessels.

LUPPOLO BREWING

1123 Venables St

Buy a pizza and get a free beer.  

Your home away from home in the East Van brewery district. Enjoy their craft beers and delicious food – including incredible pizza by Mordimi Bite of Italy – in a warm and welcoming environment.

STRATHCONA BEER

895 E Hastings St

Buy a pint of beer and get an order of our garlic bites for free while quantities last daily. 

World class brewery right in the heart of Strathcona. The brewery focuses towards traditional European styles, global IPA styles, fruit beers, radlers and seasonal offerings. Their gourmet pizza is a neighbourhood favourite!

MAKERLABS

780 E Cordova St

The first 50 visitors who cycle to their Summer Social event will have the opportunity to paint and take home a free laser-cut coaster.

Only on August 13 from 3pm to 8pm. 

A maker space in Vancouver that provides the tools, space and skills to make almost anything. Communal areas include a wood shop, metal shop, CNC router table, laser cutters, sewing machines, Design Lab with 3D printer, and electronics area.

SETTLEMENT BREWING

55 Dunlevy Ave

Brewery Open House with summer beers. 

Only on August 14 from 2pm to 5pm. 

Brewing from the historic Settlement Building, this brewery is a place of collaboration, innovation, and fermenting friendships. Enjoy their beers at neighbouring Belgard Kitchen, or pick-up beers to-go from their retail shop.

The brewers at the Settlement Building are a close-knit team of creative individuals who are passionate about brewing.

And it shows in their work. The Settlement Building is home to Belgard Kitchen, Vancouver Urban Winery, and craft brewery Settlement Brewing, offering a whole lot of delicious beverages that are made in-house.

What some may not know is that they not only brew their own carefully crafted beverages but they also offer to brew for other businesses that don’t have the facilities themselves.

This small but mighty team has some very unique and admirable qualities – read about their story below.

Tell us a bit about your team and what makes you unique.

What is something about your business that you’re proud of?

What makes the Strathcona neighbourhood special to you?

Strathcona is full of artists, designers, and makers; there is so much creativity tucked in every little corner. It makes for such an inspiring, supportive and creative environment to work in. And, we have to give props to our fellow breweries –  every one of them is making great beer!

How does your work impact or engage with the community?

What are the top-recommended Settlement Brewing beers?

We can’t pick! They are all great!

‘Portside’ Pilsner is definitely a go-to for our team. Our ‘Good News’ Hazy Pale Ale is a best seller at Belgard, and our ‘Tranquilo’ Lime Lager absolutely flies at our sister restaurant, Havana Vancouver.

And, we can’t forget about our award-winning ‘Elder Moon’!

Interested in meeting more Strathcona makers? Learn more about Birdies, Scavenger Coffee, Orii Jewelry, Yardi Grabz, Living Lotus Chocolate and Awesome Sauce Designs.

Strathcona Brewery Week is a week-long showcase to celebrate the thriving brewery scene in Strathcona.

June 6 to 12, everyone is invited to come experience Strathcona breweries, win prizes, and discover what Strathcona has to offer.

From June 6 – 12 the Strathcona BIA presents Strathcona Brewery Week, a week-long celebration of our thriving brewery scene here in Strathcona. Beer lovers and adventure-goers alike are encouraged to stop by one of our top-notch breweries, grab a drink, do some brewery trivia, and discover some of the best fun that the Strathcona neighbourhood has to offer.

With some of Vancouver’s best local breweries participating, including Superflux, Strathcona Beer, Luppolo and more, you’re sure to find an incredible IPA or luscious lager to satisfy your taste buds. Each one of Strathcona’s breweries has a unique and inviting environment and plenty of food and drinks to keep your spirits high.

Here are a few ways we’re celebrating this wonderful sector in Strathcona.

Brewery Trivia & Giveaways

Win a couple of beers on us by taking part in our Strathcona Brewery Week Trivia! Test your local brewery knowledge  and fill out our Strathcona Brewery Trivia to be entered to win one of 20 $20 gift cards to participating breweries. You’ll also find access to the quiz through a QR code when you visit participating breweries. Increase the stakes and challenge your friends – lowest score should get the next round, don’t you think?

Grand Prize Giveaway with Do604

We’ve partnered up with Do604 for a grand prize giveaway valued at $250. Win five $50 gift cards to participating Strathcona breweries and have yourself the most incredible brewery hop of the summer! All you have to do is head to the contest page to enter.

Get the inside scoop on the latest beers and events

Joe Leary and Rick Mohabir from the “Just Here for the Beer” radio show and podcast caught up with brewers in Strathcona for a dedicated show in celebration of Strathcona Brewery week. The podcast will be shared here during Strathcona Brewery Week. Have a listen and get the latest scoop on the exciting beers and awesome events our local breweries have coming up that you don’t want to miss.

And finally, follow along @madeinstrathcona for feature videos and stories from our breweries all week long.

Plan your Strathcona Brewery Week Itinerary.

See participating breweries below. Cheers!

Where: 1216 Franklin Street

About: Industrial-chic brewpub with a two-level tasting room and lounge, plus one of the best outdoor brewery patios in the city. Munch on eats from the Burdy food truck, including their legendary Chicken Parm sandwich.

What We’re Sipping: Frostbite. This Frozen Fresh Hop Cold IPA combines the smooth drinkability of a lager with the sharp hoppy impact of an IPA. Ultra clean and crushable.

Coming Up: On June 18th Container Brewing is hosting an outdoor patio party featuring a ton of small businesses, makers, and artisans. This is a free event where you can take part in enjoying local craft beer, food, and vendors all in one spot. Visit the ticket link here to claim your free ticket!

drinkcontainer.beer

Where: 1123 Venables Street

About: Your home away from home in the East Van brewery district. Enjoy their craft beers and delicious food – including incredible pizza by Mordimi Bite of Italy – in a warm and welcoming environment. The cozy outdoor patio is not to be missed.

What We’re Sipping: La Piazza. This Italian Pilsner is brewed with 100% pilsner malt and dry-hopped with a moderate dose of Hallertau to create a balance of malt sweetness, a floral and resinous hop profile and balanced sweetness. Enjoy it in the traditional “slow pour” style.

Coming Up: Keep an eye on their Instagram for event announcements. Most Wednesdays you’ll find live music in the tasting room, always free and all ages!

luppolobrewing.ca

Where: 403 E Hastings Street

About: A classic pub atmosphere, you’ll find a great selection of quality classic pub food that’s affordable, tasty beers brewed onsite (the original pub has been brewing in Strathcona since 2006!), and warm and friendly service.

What We’re Sipping: Pat’s Classic Lager. This is the original brew from 2006, one of the earliest Vancouver craft brews. A crisp, easy-drinking, Vienna style lager that always satisfies.

Coming Up: Keep an eye on their Instagram for event announcements. Over the years they’ve been home to a fabulous jazz live music scene.

hastingsmillbrewing.com

Where: 55 Dunlevy Avenue

About: Brewing from the historic Settlement Building, this brewery is a place of collaboration, innovation, and fermenting friendships. Enjoy their beers at neighbouring Belgard Kitchen, or pick-up beers to-go from their retail shop. Beer, wine, ciders – they produce it all here, so there are no shortage of delicious beverages to keep you coming back.

What We’re Sipping: Elder Moon. This Belgium Witbier just won an award at the Canadian Brewing Awards, and is the zesty, floral, refreshing brew that your summer needs.

Coming Up: We like to hit up Settlement Brewing for Happy Hour Tues-Fri 3pm to 6pm, or Monday for ALL DAY happy hour!

settlementbrewing.com

Where: 895 E Hastings Street

About: World-class brewery right in the heart of Strathcona. The brewery focuses towards traditional European styles, global IPA styles, fruit beers, radlers and seasonal offerings. Their gourmet pizza is a neighbourhood favourite!

What We’re Sipping: Imperial Love Buzz Strawberry Rhubarb Sour. An Imperial Sour Ale made with generous amounts of strawberry, rhubarb puree, with a touch of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla and lactose. For fruit and tart lovers, this is the ticket.

Coming Up: Can’t get enough of the Love Buzz series? In anticipation of summer three new flavours are launching soon, including Love Buzz Guava Lemon, Imperial Love Buzz Five Alive, and Love Buzz Peach Pineapple.

strathconabeer.com

Where: 505 Clark Drive

About: The newest brewery to open in the Strathcona area, and already a go-to top choice for many. They’re known for their finely crafted IPAs, dry hopped beers, and eye-catching branding. Their unique food menu of gourmet hot dogs, salads, and fun snacks will keep you intrigued and satisfied. Enjoy beers from their luxurious

What We’re Sipping: Coconuts. An IPA with loads of freshly toasted coconuts added. Heavily dry hopped with Citra and Vic Secret hops. A heavenly combination that you should definitely get your hands on when available!

Coming Up: New beer releases left, right, and centre! Keep an eye on their Instagram to stay up to date with the latest.

superfluxbeer.com

ABOUT THE STRATHCONA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (SBIA)

The Strathcona Business Improvement Association (SBIA) operates on the unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It extends from Clark Drive in the east, Gore Avenue in the west, Venables Street in the south and Railway Street in the north. The SBIA employs staff and is governed by an elected Board of Directors made up of business members from across the community. Our vision is for Strathcona members to thrive in a mixed-use, inclusive, resilient and prosperous local economy. 1220 East Hastings Street, Vancouver BC  V6A 1S6 | 604-258-2727

Become a fan of /StrathconaBIA on Facebook and follow @StrathconaBIA on Twitter and @madeinstrathcona on Instagram for more Strathcona Brewery Week stories and features.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Strathcona Business Improvement Association

Johanna Lauyanto | 604-258-2727 | johanna@strathconabia.com

Andres Zapata and James Mieu are the creators behind Birdies, a Peruvian-inspired ghost kitchen serving up succulent chicken and sides from their commissary space in Strathcona.

Birdies is a new project that sprouted from the duo’s catering venture, Oui Chef Catering. Serving up delicious chicken, sides and their specialty beverage chicha, Birdies’ recipes have been meticulously developed drawing from the pair’s experience working in high-end restaurants both here in Vancouver and abroad. 

Hoping to expand their menu soon, Birdies’ simple menu is anything but ordinary. Their birds are beer-brined for a day before they’re drenched in a pepper marinade and grilled on flaming hot charcoals. Their fries are spiced to perfection and their chimichurri and sauces will no doubt have you coming back for more.

Learn more about the founders of Birdies below and find their menu online through Doordash.

Tell us a little bit about your brand and what you do.

Birdies Charcoal Grill specializes in serving barbecue-style chicken using true-to-style techniques from various global gastronomic cultures. Our initial menu consists of a Peruvian-style charcoal chicken known as Pollo a la Brasa that gets served with aji criollo (a Peruvian amarillo pepper sauce), chimichurri, and chicha (a Peruvian purple corn drink created by the Andean community). We wanted to use Birdies as a way to highlight our culinary backgrounds while serving the community something unique and delicious. As we continue with Birdies we will add more flavours and styles to our menu paying homage to our heritage and the local Vancouver food culture.

How did your love for cooking begin and when did you decide to turn your passion into a business?

Where in Strathcona are you based and what makes this neighbourhood special to you?

We are located in the B3 Collective Commissary Kitchen on the corner of East Hastings Street and Vernon Street. Strathcona has been an ideal environment for us. There are a lot of creative and cool small businesses around the neighbourhood which gives us vision and confidence for future growth. We love the hard-working energy of our colleagues in our commissary kitchen as well and are lucky to be a part of a supportive small business community.

How does your work impact the community?

Since we are still pretty new our impact hasn’t been too deep. Asides from offering tasty treats we hope that over time we will grow to become a known part of the community. We are always interested in engaging in local events and promoting our working neighbourhood.

Where can we find you?

You can find us at the B3 Collective, on Instagram @birdiesyvr, and on DoorDash.

Interested in meeting more Strathcona makers? Learn more about Orii Jewelry, Yardi Grabz, Living Lotus Chocolate and Awesome Sauce Designs.