The bustling kitchen that has served thousands of loyal diners at Deer Garden Signatures in Coquitlam will soon fall silent after more than two decades of operation. The beloved Hong Kong-style restaurant, a cornerstone of authentic Cantonese cuisine in Metro Vancouver’s dining landscape, announced its impending closure through a heartfelt notice posted at its Henderson Place Mall location.
“We’ve made the difficult decision to close our doors permanently on July 21,” reads the notice, which has sent waves of disappointment through the local community. The restaurant’s management expressed profound gratitude to patrons who have supported them throughout their 20-year journey, acknowledging the establishment’s transformation from a neighborhood eatery to a cherished culinary institution.
Deer Garden Signatures has long been celebrated for its signature customizable fish soup noodles, allowing diners to select their preferred broth, noodles, and toppings—a concept that garnered a dedicated following across the Lower Mainland. Beyond these personalized bowls, the menu showcased traditional Hong Kong café staples including baked pork chop rice, beef satay on rice noodles, and Hong Kong-style milk tea.
The closure marks another significant loss for Henderson Place Mall, which has undergone substantial transitions in recent years. Once a vibrant hub for Asian businesses, the mall has witnessed several prominent departures, including the 2019 exit of T&T Supermarket, which relocated to Coquitlam Centre.
While the Coquitlam location prepares for its final service, Deer Garden enthusiasts can still visit the restaurant’s Richmond location in Continental Centre at 3779 Sexsmith Road, which remains operational. This remaining outpost continues to uphold the culinary traditions that made the brand a staple in Metro Vancouver’s diverse food scene.
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of memories on social media platforms, with longtime customers sharing stories of family gatherings, first dates, and regular weekend visits spanning decades. Many express disappointment at losing what they describe as “the most authentic Hong Kong-style comfort food” in the Tri-Cities area.
Restaurant closures have become increasingly common across Canada’s restaurant industry, with rising operational costs, labor challenges, and changing consumer habits creating a challenging environment for independent establishments. Industry analysts note that restaurants with decades-long histories face particular pressures as they navigate evolving market conditions while maintaining the quality and authenticity that built their reputations.
As Deer Garden’s Coquitlam chapter comes to a close, the question remains: how will the shifting landscape of traditional ethnic restaurants impact the cultural fabric of Metro Vancouver’s diverse communities in the years to come?
