Brunch in Victoria just got a bit more bleak.
On Monday, September 18th, the owner of Sherwood announced that the eatery would have to close its doors at the end of the month due to several contributing factors.
The restaurant had been a prominent brunch spot through its five years of service, but owner Shane Devereaux said in a Facebook post that opening Sherwood fulfilled a dream of his, but the burden of running the restaurant has taken a toll on him and the rest of his life.
“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,” he added.
Devereaux continued that an offer had been presented to him by “truly great local people” who he believes will be able to take the space over and inject some new and fresh ideas into the space.
Victoria City Councillor Matt Dell commented on the farewell post his affinity for the restaurant and all Devereaux has done for the culinary arts in the city.
“Shane — your efforts and cafes have made Victoria such an amazing city,” Dell wrote. “Thanks for the tireless efforts you made to make everyone happy, caffeinated and fed.”
“Sherwood was one of my absolute favourites. Thanks for everything you’ve done,” the councillor continued.
In his announcement on social media, he thanked his staff, friends, family and regular supporters of his businesses.
The last day of service for Sherwood will be on Friday, September 29th.
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Although Sherwood’s time has come to an end, Devereaux will continue to elevate the city’s coffee scene through Habit Coffee, Sherwood’s older sister cafes.
There are still two locations of Habit Coffee in downtown Victoria, one in the Atrium, located at 808 Yates Street and the other in Chinatown at 552 Pandora Avenue.
This closure announcement marks at least the 19th restaurant to close over the past year, sparked by a combination of economic and staffing challenges in a post-pandemic Victoria.
It is not yet known what will be taking over the Sherwood space as of this publication.
