A popular hot pot restaurant in Burnaby has been quietly listed for sale, raising questions about the future of one of the city’s most recognized dining spots. This unexpected move could mark the end of a well-known name in the local food scene.
The property, described as a “flagship hot pot restaurant,” was listed earlier this week by a commercial real estate agent. The location is in the heart of Burnaby, making it one of the most sought-after areas for dining and retail.
A closer look at the listing revealed that the restaurant in question is The Dolar Shop. This upscale hot pot brand has been operating out of Station Square since 2019. It was the company’s second location in British Columbia after a successful launch in Richmond.
The Dolar Shop brought a more refined experience to the traditional Chinese hot pot meal. Unlike all-you-can-eat styles, this restaurant focused on à la carte options, individual soup bases, high-end seafood, and curated meal sets. It quickly became a go-to destination for hot pot lovers looking for something more premium.
Now, the 3,000+ square foot restaurant is up for sale as a business asset deal. The asking price is $1.8 million. The listing includes the physical space, furniture, commercial kitchen with a 15-inch ventilation system, a walk-in cooler, liquor license, and patio seating for 30 guests. In total, the dining space seats up to 134 people.
However, there’s a key detail in the listing that changes everything: the sale does not include the restaurant’s name or branding. This is not a franchise resale. That means any buyer will only be purchasing the assets—not the rights to use The Dolar Shop name.
Unless a new owner negotiates a separate deal with the brand, this Burnaby hot pot restaurant will likely be rebranded. The listing even suggests that the space is best suited for other Asian food concepts such as BBQ or hot pot, and any new plan will need approval from the landlord.
It’s still unclear what led to this sale. However, rising costs and increased competition may have played a role. The hot pot market in Metro Vancouver has become more saturated in recent years, making it harder for restaurants to stay profitable. Even well-known names are feeling the pressure to rethink their business models.
As of now, The Dolar Shop at Station Square remains open. No official statement has been made about whether the restaurant will close, relocate, or remain under new ownership. But the sale listing suggests that change is likely on the horizon.
The Burnaby location has been a major player in the area’s growing Asian food scene. Its potential exit would leave a noticeable gap. At the same time, it also opens the door for a fresh dining concept to take its place in a high-traffic location.
Many restaurant owners looking to enter the Burnaby market may see this as a rare opportunity. With a fully equipped kitchen, modern layout, and a strong location, the space offers a ready-made setup for a new venture.
This listing comes at a time when many restaurant businesses are re-evaluating their future. While some are expanding, others are consolidating or closing. Economic pressure, changing customer habits, and food cost inflation are all playing a role in reshaping the dining landscape.
Whether The Dolar Shop is making a strategic move or facing challenges behind the scenes, one thing is clear: Burnaby’s food scene may be about to change again. And for food lovers in the area, that means one less hot pot option — at least under the current brand name.
