There is a lengthy history with the Ovaltine. With a neon sign that is still bright and two stories high, it’s a piece of unaltered Vancouver. The retro room could have gentrification vultures rubbing their hands. And then there’s its social value — this isn’t just a cool relic, it’s the real thing, a no-pretensions diner providing locals with low-cost meals.

The restaurant opened in 1942 and, in some ways, hasn’t changed much, from its neon sign to the classic diner interior.  In fact, the aesthetic is so striking that the cafe has been featured in a variety of film and TV productions, including the X-Files, Supernatural and I, Robot.

While the Ovaltine has been in business since the 1940s, it’s been owned by Grace Chen, since 2014.  Grace has had a long time connection with the neighbourhood, starting off at the Save on Meats.  After it was sold to Mark Brand a chance presented itself for the Ovaltine and Grace jumped in.   For her, that connection with the neighbourhood continues to drive the business. with her main goal to keep prices affordable for locals — to hiring local staff to help in the kitchen to the menu, which she said has grown based on suggestions.