‘We’re devastated’: Swiss Chalet closes last B.C. restaurant

B.C. is seeing the end of an era for one family restaurant chain.

Burnaby’s best chicken dinner could be found at the Swiss Chalet restaurant on Lougheed Highway, just east of Boundary Road.

But that is now over in August as staff have said the restaurant is closing down.

The end is not surprising.

After all, it’s not the first time this Swiss Chalet location has been announced as closing down.

In December 2021, staff were telling customers that the Burnaby Swiss Chalet was set to close at the end of the year.

A little over a week later, however, it was announced that this Swiss Chalet – the last one in B.C. – would stay open for at least three more months.

A deal to extend the lease was made with the landlord.

Customers unhappy with loss of chicken dinner

With the summer ending, staff once again say the place with Burnaby’s best chicken dinner was closing its doors forever.

Customers are not happy with losing their favourite restaurant.

“It’s devastating,” said a customer named Fran in a Facebook post. “It’s the place where my group of friends came each week after our regular walking group did a different journey. It felt like home.”

Business model changing for Swiss Chalet owner

Recipe Unlimited is a large company that owns multiple brands, including the Keg, Harvey’s and Montana’s.

But in recent years, the company has been closing B.C. restaurants, getting rid of all of the Swiss Chalet locations and even a Montana’s that was connected to Coquitlam Centre shopping mall.

It’s unclear what the future holds for its Keg restaurants, which are spread across Metro Vancouver. It’s a highly competitive market for steakhouses and casual dining as the Keg competes with Cactus Club, Browns Social House, Earls and the Joey franchise.

For now, however, those looking for the best chicken dinner with that signature chalet sauce will have to leave the province to do so or you can check out this new Burnaby fried chicken restaurant.