In a bittersweet turn of events, one of Victoria’s trendiest dining spots is set to acquire the iconic Sherwood restaurant space in downtown Victoria, breathing new life into the cherished establishment that announced its plans to close earlier this month.
Wind Cries Mary, a popular dining destination, announced its plans to rebrand and take over the space at 710 Pandora Avenue, currently occupied by Sherwood.
This acquisition marks the end of an era for Sherwood, which had been a prominent brunch spot in the city for five years.
Sherwood’s owner, Shane Devereaux, made the difficult decision to close the doors of his dream establishment due to a combination of factors that had taken a toll on him personally and professionally.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Devereaux expressed his gratitude for the support of the community and his staff, who had shown unwavering dedication during challenging times.
“Opening an all-day cafe and bar was something that I always wanted to do and felt our city deserved,” Devereaux wrote.
“I still feel that way, and I’m so incredibly proud of everything that we’ve done. But restaurants can be tough. Especially after getting knocked sideways by a pandemic so soon after opening when you’re just trying to find your feet. I’m exhausted, my family needs me, and my staff have done the work of heroes for way too long.”
While bidding farewell to Sherwood, Devereaux mentioned that he had received an offer from “truly great local people” who were eager to take over the space and inject fresh ideas into it. This news was met with anticipation and excitement within the Victoria community.
Victoria City Councillor Matt Dell also took to social media to express his appreciation for Sherwood’s contribution to the city’s culinary scene. He thanked Shane Devereaux for his tireless efforts in making Victoria an amazing city and hailed Sherwood as one of his absolute favorites.
The last day of service for Sherwood is scheduled for today, Friday, September 29th, marking the end of an era for the beloved brunch spot.
However, Devereaux’s commitment to Victoria’s coffee culture continues through Habit Coffee, Sherwood’s older sister cafes. Habit Coffee has two locations in downtown Victoria: one in the Atrium at 808 Yates Street and another in Chinatown at 552 Pandora Avenue.
The closure of Sherwood is emblematic of the challenges faced by the restaurant industry in a post-pandemic Victoria. Economic and staffing challenges have led to the closure of numerous establishments, with Sherwood being the latest casualty.
As Wind Cries Mary prepares to take over the Sherwood space, the Victoria community eagerly awaits the rebranding and transformation of this iconic location.
With a reputation for excellence in hospitality, Wind Cries Mary is poised to carry forward the legacy of community gathering and delicious dining that Sherwood was known for.
The reimagined space promises to be a new hotspot for locals and visitors alike, ensuring that the spirit of Sherwood lives on in its successor.
Details on changes and opening date have yet to be revealed.
