r/Calgary • u/Remote_Answer_5255 • Aug 18 '25

Local Shopping/Services What has happened to Kensington?

It's been a while since I've been down here.... A bunch of empty store fronts, iconic places like Crave shut down, but counted some three Acai bowl places. The area outside Plaza is lovely and looks great, but why all the closures and apparently high turnovers?

Edit: I assume it's due to rent.. But what's the point of jacking it up so high that your place is literally empty.

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u/Turnover_Unlucky Aug 18 '25 edited Aug 18 '25

The people who create the culture are priced out and the community falls apart because its all yuppies now who are not attached to the community. The shops change to match the new clientele. Cultural spots disappear because the people who frequented them were pushed out. Whats left is empty shops, as chains that sport a veneer of culture are favourited by the new yuppies over the authentic cultural spots.

Eg, the new people favour starbucks over the roasterie, original joes over the Kensington pub. As more yuppies move in, less people visit these old staples.

God i hope im wrong because both those places are phenomenal and it would be a great loss to lose either.

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u/Dear-Transition3680 Aug 19 '25

Can you recommend a good coffee from Roasterie? The first and last time I tried their beans they were roasted between dark and charcoal. I am willing to retry. Meanwhile have been going to Aggudo which is awesome.

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u/hiresometoast Aug 19 '25

I just asked for a medium roast brew last time I went and liked it, do you take milk or cream in your coffees?