The Hub in New Westminster was once a popular spot, loved by sports fans, food lovers, and anyone looking for a fun place to eat and hang out. Located right above the SkyTrain station, the Hub hours were convenient, and it was super easy to access.
Over the years, it became a go-to place for families, friends, and commuters. The Hub wasn’t just a favourite for food lovers and sports fans. It also attracted casino players who enjoyed its lively atmosphere and social vibe. As part of local consumer information on dining and entertainment, The Hub stood out as a vibrant meeting place. For those who loved the excitement of gambling, including online casinos, it offered a space to relax, share stories, and unwind.
Favourite Hangout for Casino Players
Its fun atmosphere, combined with affordable drinks and tasty food, made it the perfect spot for people who enjoyed the thrill of gambling, including those who play online casino games. The lively energy of the restaurant mirrored the excitement of a casino, creating a space where diners could relax, chat about their favourite games, or wind down after online session. As online casinos gained popularity, the convenience of playing from home complemented Hub’s social dining vibe. For many, it became a place to enjoy the best of both worlds – good food and a conversation about the latest casino games or wins. And just like casinos, the Hub relied on keeping people engaged with a welcoming experience.
Are you interested in maximizing your online gaming experience? Then choose an expert-reviewed listing of the best online casinos for real money, which is based on fairness, security, and payout reliability. The site not only provides a list of great platforms but also offers guidance on choosing the best legitimate online casinos in Canada, ensuring players make informed decisions. It covers everything from the sign-up process and available game selection to payment methods, bonuses, and key factors to consider before joining. Players can also find something interesting about gambling regulations, safety tips, and expert advice. Key aspects that positively influence the online gaming process include:
- Exciting game selections that offer everything from slots to live dealer experiences.
- Generous bonuses and promotions to boost real-money play.
- Fair odds and RTP rates to ensure transparent gaming.
- Seamless mobile compatibility for gaming on the go.
- Interactive live dealer games that recreate the thrill of a real casino from home.
This level of convenience and excitement kept players engaged, but even a thriving atmosphere isn’t always enough to guarantee long-term success. But in May 2024, the Hub New West location closed for good. So, what went wrong? Let’s look at their story, the Hub menu, rewards program, franchise plans, and the reviews that tell us what people really thought.
The Rise of Hub Restaurant
The Hub in Yaletown started in 2009 in Vancouver’s trendy district. It quickly became known as a fun spot with great food and a lively atmosphere.
Thanks to its success, the Hub locations expanded, including the one in New Westminster. This spot, located right at the SkyTrain station, was perfect for commuters, sports fans, and locals. The outdoor patio was another nice touch, especially on sunny days.
For years, The Hub was a hit. It combined good food, drinks, and a welcoming vibe. But while it grew in popularity, there were challenges along the way.
Menu for Everyone
One of the biggest reasons people loved Hub was its menu. It offered a mix of West Coast-inspired dishes with a smoky BBQ twist.
Here are some of the most popular items:
- Smoked Chicken Wings: A must-try for anyone sharing food with friends.
- BBQ Brisket Tacos: Packed with flavor and a fan favourite.
- Crack Burger: A beef patty crusted with peppercorn, topped with onion rings and pesto aioli.
For vegetarians, there was the Beyond Veggie Burger, and brunch lovers could enjoy dishes like Friends with Benedicts or Waffles n’ Strawberries.
The drinks were also a big draw. Hub offered craft beers, cocktails, and super affordable happy hour deals, making it a great spot for casual drinks or group outings.
Hub Rewards: Was It Enough?
Hub introduced a loyalty program called Hub Rewards to keep customers coming back. The program had four levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Noir – each with cashback offers and bonuses.
Here’s how it worked:
- Bronze: 5% cashback, $5 for signing up, and another $5 for your birthday.
- Silver: 7% cashback after six visits and $200 spent in six months.
- Gold: 10% cashback after nine visits and $500 spent in six months.
- Noir: 12% cashback after 12 visits and $1,200 spent in six months.
While the rewards were nice, they were hard to reach for casual diners. Most people couldn’t visit or spend that much in a short time. A more flexible program might have worked better to keep more customers engaged.
Franchise Plans
The Hub had plans to grow through franchising. They were looking for franchisees to open new locations in places like South Surrey, Burnaby, and Langley.
The idea was to attract passionate people from all backgrounds – new entrepreneurs, culinary students, or even groups of investors. Hub’s fun, welcoming vibe was part of the pitch to potential franchisees.
But franchise success depends on consistency. Mixed reviews about service and management may have made it harder for Hub to find the right people or maintain its reputation.
What Reviews Say
Customer reviews paint a mixed picture of Hub Restaurant, one of the more well-known New Westminster restaurants. Some people loved it, while others had a tough time there. This consumer handbook highlights key feedback from diners, giving a clearer view of what worked – and what didn’t. Here’s what they said:
The Good
“Great pub food and TVs for sports!” wrote a reviewer named disappointed_hotel in May 2024. They praised the “friendly atmosphere,” the variety of food, and how fun it was to watch games there. They even chatted with the owner and enjoyed the outdoor patio.
Marlie R from Coquitlam said in 2022,
“The food was really tasty, and the portions were so big we had lunch for the next day.” They also appreciated the great service during their visit. These kinds of reviews show why it was a favorite among New Westminster pubs for many.
The Not-So-Good:
Andrew K from Vancouver shared a very different story in June 2023. He said,
“I sat at the bar and had to listen to the most obnoxious guy shouting offensive things for 20 minutes. No one from management stepped in.” Andrew added that it ruined his experience, even though he’d been a fan of the food before.
In March 2023, Jas l called it “the worst place ever visited.” They said the staff ignored them for 20 minutes while chatting among themselves, and they left without ordering anything. For them, it didn’t live up to the standards expected from New West restaurants.
The Closure
In May 2024, the New Westminster location of Hub Restaurant closed its doors for good. Although there wasn’t an official announcement, a “removal rights” notice posted by bailiffs indicated financial difficulties. This closure was a big loss for the local dining scene, especially since it came shortly after the Paddlewheeler Pub, another popular spot among New Westminster pubs, also shut down.
This case serves as important consumer information for diners and restaurant owners alike, showing how operational missteps – like inconsistent service and cleanliness issues – can impact even well-loved establishments.
The closure in New Westminster wasn’t the first major setback for the Hub Restaurant Group. Back in October 2017, the Yaletown location in Vancouver also closed after seven years of operation. This 2,500-square-foot spot had a seating capacity of 125 and was a popular venue in the trendy Yaletown district. At the time, Hub’s operations director, Steve Brisson, stated that the group planned to focus more on suburban locations, where their restaurants seemed to perform better.
There were plans to reopen in areas like North Vancouver and Lonsdale, showing the group’s intent to adapt and relocate. However, despite the shift toward suburban markets, the struggles with service and management across the Hub locations seemed to have followed them. The closures reflect the importance of addressing customer concerns and maintaining consistency, especially in a competitive industry.