May 26, 2017

In April, the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) announced that it would be closing the Highland Pub, the Higher Grounds coffee shop, the Ladle, and catering services due to significant, ongoing financial losses. The Highland Pub, the Ladle, and catering services were closed at the end of April and the Higher Grounds coffee shop will close by mid-June.

The SFSS is now exploring uses of the space. According to President Hangue Kim, the first priority will be to determine if another operator is interested in leasing the space and providing food and beverage services for students. “We will be reaching out to members of the food and beverage industry who have successful experience in providing the type of food and entertainment experience that students are looking for,” said Kim. “We are planning to show the space in May and June.”

The SFSS is looking for operators who have:

• a compelling vision for the pub space to enhance the social experience on campus
• the ability to invest the resources necessary to achieve their vision
• prior experience working with students

If we don’t have an operator in place by the end of the summer, we will reconnect with students to discuss other possible uses. “We know that this is great space on our Burnaby campus,” said Kim. “We would like to keep it as a social hub for students.”

CONTACT:

Hangue Kim,
SFSS President
Board of Directors
president@sfss.ca