‘With love and endless gratitude’: Gourmet Vancouver donut shop closing after 14 years

One of the most popular gourmet donut shops in Vancouver has announced it will be closing down in a few short weeks.

Cartems Donuts became a fast favourite among the sweet-toothed when it opened in 2012, and eventually expanded to three brick-and-mortar locations across the city, plus a kitchen and shop in Coquitlam.

But two of the Vancouver locations closed in recent years, leaving just one on Main Street, and the business announced Friday that it would be shutting down entirely on Feb. 14.

“Your unwavering support has been the heart of Cartems. From warm smiles to heartfelt conversations, you’ve filled our shop with joy and unforgettable memories,” the business wrote, in an email to customers.

“We’d love for you to stop by one last time - whether it’s for your favourite donut, a coffee, or just a chat.”

The email was signed off: “With love and endless gratitude, The Cartems Donuts Team.”

Some of the signature offerings – which include the London Fog “stuffie,” filled with tea-infused whipped cream, and the salted caramel, a chocolate cake donut glazed with caramel and sprinkled with sea salt – are also sold at Matchstick Café and on multiple delivery apps.

The company’s email does not explain why it is closing. CTV News has reached out to Cartems for more information, and will update this article if a response is received.

Cartems closed its Pender location in November 2023 because the building was scheduled for demolition, but did not re-open elsewhere. The Kitsilano location was closed in February 2021.