Langley City's Fraser Highway: A Thriving Culinary Hub in Metro Vancouver
From casual coffee shops to upscale dining, the one-way section of Fraser Highway in Langley City has emerged as one of Metro Vancouver's must-visit Eat Streets. This vibrant stretch, spanning just a few blocks, is home to an impressive array of local restaurants, cafes, and food outposts, offering everything from homemade baked goods to international cuisines.
A Cozy Beginning: The Story of Cozy Bean Bakery and Café
When Antonella Green decided to open her first bakery and café three years ago, she sought a location that embodied the charm of a Hallmark movie. She found it on Fraser Highway in Langley City. "When I opened, I purposely wanted to make it feel small, cosy, quaint, and homemade," Green explains. "I didn't want it to be fancy baking stuff. So, this was a perfect place for it."
Drawing on her experience as an avid home baker and using family recipes passed down through generations, Green launched the Cozy Bean Bakery and Café. The café specializes in homemade scones, cookies, chocolate oat bars, and other baked goods crafted from the heart. "What I really, really like is homemade, because it just brings that comfort to you," she says.
Revitalization and Resilience: Overcoming Construction Challenges
The one-way section of Fraser Highway has long been a traffic snarl for eastbound travelers, but it recently underwent a months-long city improvement project. This $19-million upgrade, which included parking pattern changes, posed significant challenges for local businesses. "During the construction, you didn't know a lot of the places were down here," notes Marissa Hill, a staff member at The Pie Hole café.
Andy Slinn, executive chef at Don't Tell Nonna Pizzeria, recalls the difficulties faced during this period. The pizza shop, which offers New York and Detroit-style slices, opened just six weeks before construction began. "It was a very, very challenging time for us, as I feel like it was for any business down this road," Slinn says. Despite the slowdown, loyal regulars helped sustain the area. Customers like Milad Alhamad, who visits daily for coffee, kept the spirit alive.
A New Wave of Growth and Optimism
With the construction now complete, business owners are witnessing a resurgence in activity. "Since it has been reopened, traffic has come back a little bit," Slinn observes. This uptick has sparked optimism among staff and owners. Hill adds, "Business is better. Even my manager said that, if we survived that, we can survive anything."
The street has seen a influx of new food options as part of ongoing revitalization efforts. Melissa Gallardo, who works at Black Orchid hair salon, notes, "It's grown quite a bit, especially within the last two years. There's definitely been new restaurants popping up, new coffee shops. There's definitely more variation compared to what it used to be."
Exploring the Diverse Offerings on Fraser Highway
The one-way stretch boasts a diverse mix of businesses, including:
- Boutiques and fitness studios
- Thrift stores and salons
- Over 20 restaurants and food options, ranging from Indian and Japanese cuisine to Mexican and Vietnamese fare
Newcomers like Judy Yoon, who recently relocated to the area, are discovering the street's charms. Tucked into a corner at Oldhand Coffee, Yoon shares, "It has a really nice, warm and welcoming vibe. I like to have a good coffee shop with a good corner where you can just sit, chill and read a book." Her exploration of the area is just beginning, as she remains "always on the hunt" for new spots.
Practical Information for Visitors
Located between 204 and 206 Street on Fraser Highway, this Eat Street features 23 restaurants and food options. Parking is available with free street parking, subject to a three-hour limit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
This article is part of a series highlighting Metro Vancouver's must-visit Eat Streets, celebrating stretches of community with notable concentrations of local food businesses. As Langley City's Fraser Highway continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of local entrepreneurship.
