CTS Culinary Commons – a new home for BC’s culinary community
CTS Culinary Commons
Grand Opening Open House
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 4pm-6pm
1250 East Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2B1
Press Release:
Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia Launches “CTS Culinary Commons” as North America’s Premier Industry Hub
First-of-its Kind, Multi-purpose Facility to Serve as Gathering Place for Culinary and Hospitality Industries
Vancouver, B.C., Sept 9, 2025 – The Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia (CTS) today announced the grand opening of the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia Culinary Commons, North America’s first not-for-profit industry hub, on October 9, 2025, at 1250 East Georgia, Vancouver. Conceived and built by CTS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing British Columbia’s culinary and hospitality heritage, the Culinary Commons will support the sustainability of culinary and hospitality trades while serving as a landmark for chefs, restaurateurs, food producers, sommeliers, butchers, bakers, pastry chefs, fishmongers, and amateur enthusiasts.
Located in the heart of Vancouver’s culinary warehouse and supply district, the CTS Culinary Commons will offer:
professional development classes and amateur cooking classes
a versatile event space
a recording studio where the popular “Mise en Place” podcast originates
a gathering place of the leading Chefs in British Columbia
a resource library and common space
Additionally, the CTS Culinary Commons will house an extensive industry reference library featuring archival materials from culinary legends such as John Bishop, Michel Jacob and Order of Canada Recipient, Bruno Marti. The archive will also include select historical restaurant menus that helped shape the culinary fabric of BC and Canada. Finally, the CTS is building a local Food and Suppliers Index and a compilation of traditional Indigenous recipes and culinary practices.
“The Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia Culinary Commons is a transformative space that preserves our industry’s past while inspiring future talent,” said Shawna Gardham, Executive Director of CTS. “This unique gathering place aims to become the largest culinary and hospitality archive in North America that is open to the public, while actively engaging the professional and amateur culinary community. By blending education and community engagement, we’re building a sustainable legacy for BC’s food culture.”
CTS is actively seeking strategic partnerships and benefactors to amplify the Culinary Commons’ impact, building on strong collaborations with local, provincial, and national organizations.
“By aligning with other organizations, CTS aims to strengthen and unite the food service industry,” continued Gardham. “Through a united community of industry stakeholders with a shared vision, CTS believes it can drive meaningful, positive change.”
CTS Culinary Commons will be open to both professionals and the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM starting October 14, 2025,
Professional development and cooking classes will commence January 2026, alongside weekly events. The event space will serve as a vibrant hub for both not-for-profit and for-profit activities, and the showcase of premier BC products and professional tools will solidify the CTS Culinary Commons’ role as an industry destination, promoted through media and tourism partnerships.
The grand opening celebration is happening on October 9, 2025. The grand opening event will showcase the contributions of past CTS board members and honour them with lifetime memberships. Honorees include John Bishop, Ryan Bissell, Julian Bond, Welbert Choi, Robert Clark, Darren Clay, Jack Evrensel, David Hawksworth, Scott Jaeger, Mary Mackay, Ken Nakano, Pino Posteraro, Vikram Vij, James Walt, Chris Whitaker, and Neil Wyles. Each honoree will contribute an artifact to the CTS Culinary Commons archive, highlighting their impact on British Columbia’s restaurant landscape.
At Grand Opening on October 9th, 2025, a private ceremony will happen from 2pm-4pm with an open house following from 4pm-6pm. Open house is open to the public.