.
On Thursday we got a brief respite between rain and snow showers which allowed me to drive up and down the Drive. It was bright but cold and windy.
As promised, the Fish Counter is now open at 1818 Commercial.
Karma Optical at 1325 Commercial is closing.
Next door at 1321 Commercial, it seems that Don’t Argue Pizzeria is taking over some space from Caffe Soccavo.
The storefront (and house behind) at 1314 Commercial has been sold for $2.35 million. Many people may remember it as the location of Beckwoman’s store which occupied the front from 1989 until a few years ago, but it had a long history prior to that. The first house on the lot was a BC Mills pre-fab erected in the first decade of the 1900s. In 1928, that house was lifted and moved to the back of the lot, allowing Fiore Marini, an Italian immigrant to build a small store on the Drive for his shoe repair business.
1314 Commercial in 1978 (CVA 786-78.18)
Marini’s Shoe Hospital stayed in business until 1981. The house in back was usually a residence but also, on occasion, housed a physiotherapy and chiropractic business. The building was badly damaged by fire in spring 2015. The storefront has been taken over by Bangtown Barber & Beauty Shop.
Huff at 1204 Commercial is now closed.
Community Taps and Pizza at 1191 is closed, but I don’t know if that is temporary or permanent.
Vacancies on the Drive this month:
2105 Commercial, 1604 Commercial, 1414 Commercial, 1409 Commercial, 1250 Commercial, 1230 Commercial, 1204 Commercial, 938 Commercial.
This does not include Dolce Amore or Hanai which are currently closed due to fire damage.
Previous editions of Changes on the Drive
Jak's View of Vancouver v.3 
I think the owners of Via Tevere bought Cafe Soccavo, and Don’t Argue Pizza is also one of theirs.
That would make sense. Thanks for the update!
Is The Fish Counter a fresh fish shop or a restaurant? Do you know?
It is a fish shop so far as I know.
It is a restaurant.
A branch on 3825 Main St, , now also on The Drive (Commercial Dr.)
See pictures and menues.
https://thefishcounter.ca/locations/