Nemesis Coffee and Gigi’s by Ask For Luigi bring gourmet flair and urban charm to city’s newest downtown hub
As Coquitlam continues to evolve into one of the Lower Mainland’s most dynamic urban centres, two of Vancouver’s most talked-about culinary brands are making their way east — and residents have reason to celebrate.
The acclaimed Nemesis Coffee and Italian dining hotspot Gigi’s by Ask For Luigi are the latest additions to TriCity Pavilion, a central feature in the ambitious TriCity Central development. With their grand openings slated for this spring, these two local gems promise to bring a blend of rich flavour, cozy atmosphere, and big-city sophistication to Coquitlam’s growing food scene.
For locals and newcomers alike, the arrival of Nemesis and Gigi’s signals more than just new places to grab coffee or enjoy a great plate of pasta — it marks the emergence of Coquitlam as a bona fide destination for food lovers and urban dwellers.
A Downtown Reimagined: Welcome to TriCity Central
Situated at 2968 Christmas Way, directly across from the ever-bustling Coquitlam Centre mall, TriCity Pavilion is the retail anchor of the sprawling TriCity Central development. This large-scale, mixed-use project by Marcon Developments and QuadReal Property Group is poised to redefine the city’s downtown core — and not just with its skyline.
Described as a transformative venture, TriCity Central will ultimately include:
- Six high-rise condominium towers
- Two purpose-built rental apartment towers
- A 27-storey office tower
- A 150-room hotel and conference centre
- An expansive retail plaza centered around TriCity Pavilion
More than just a new place to live and work, TriCity Central is envisioned as a vibrant, connected community where culture, commerce, and cuisine intersect.
“This is an opportunity to shape the future of Coquitlam’s downtown with something lasting and exciting,” said a spokesperson from Marcon Developments. “With partners like Nemesis and the Kitchen Table Group on board, we’re setting the tone for what kind of community this will be.”
Nemesis Coffee: Cult-Favourite Cafe Comes to Coquitlam
Coffee aficionados and brunch lovers rejoice: Nemesis Coffee is opening its fifth location at TriCity Pavilion, bringing its celebrated drinks and baked goods to Coquitlam for the very first time.
Known for its sleek design, strong community ethos, and elevated approach to coffee, Nemesis has become a staple in Vancouver’s cafe scene since first launching in 2017. At the upcoming 2,300-square-foot Coquitlam location, guests can expect all the signature offerings that made Nemesis a household name — including expertly pulled espresso shots, innovative pour-overs, and their famous rotating seasonal drinks.
But Nemesis is much more than a coffee shop. The brand is equally beloved for its Dope Bakehouse, a creative bakery arm responsible for the café’s dazzling array of pastries, croissants, and baked surprises. Plus, their brunch menu, featuring elevated takes on classics like avocado toast, shakshuka, and eggs benedict, draws lines out the door at their Vancouver locations.
“Opening in Coquitlam is a natural evolution for us,” said a representative from Nemesis Coffee. “We want to be part of communities that are growing, creative, and hungry for something different. We think TriCity Central is going to be just that.”
Gigi’s by Ask For Luigi: A Taste of Italy in the TriCities
Joining Nemesis at the Pavilion is the latest offering from Vancouver’s acclaimed Kitchen Table Group — Gigi’s by Ask For Luigi.
A concept restaurant inspired by the rustic, intimate charm of its older sibling, Ask For Luigi, Gigi’s brings the group’s signature Italian warmth and culinary excellence to a new audience. Designed with families, date nights, and casual diners in mind, the restaurant will serve up a fresh, modern take on Italian favourites: handmade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza, small plates, and curated wine and cocktail selections.
The Kitchen Table Group is behind some of Vancouver’s most successful and stylish hospitality concepts, including Di Beppe, Pizzeria Farina, and Pourhouse. Their expansion into Coquitlam reflects a growing trend of urban-calibre dining options making their way into suburban centres.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Gigi’s to TriCity Pavilion,” said a Kitchen Table spokesperson. “There’s a real appetite here — no pun intended — for authentic, quality-driven food in spaces that feel inviting and accessible. Gigi’s is all about making great Italian food feel like it’s just around the corner.”
Culinary Expansion Meets Community Growth
The dual arrival of Nemesis and Gigi’s comes at a pivotal time for Coquitlam. Once viewed primarily as a commuter suburb, the city has transformed in recent years into a robust urban environment with an identity all its own — bolstered by transit expansions, residential development, and a renewed focus on public amenities and the arts.
TriCity Central is a major driver of that transformation. By anchoring the development with high-calibre culinary offerings, the developers are not only attracting future residents and office tenants — they’re also investing in placemaking.
“People want more than just a home or an office,” said a real estate expert familiar with the project. “They want to walk downstairs and grab an incredible cappuccino. They want to take their kids to dinner without having to go into Vancouver. TriCity Central is being built with that lifestyle in mind.”
Local Reaction: Excitement Builds Ahead of Spring Launch
For Coquitlam residents, the news of Nemesis and Gigi’s moving in has already generated buzz on social media.
“I’ve been going to Nemesis in Gastown for years — the fact that they’re opening up right near my condo is wild,” said Priya Chauhan, a local marketing professional. “That’s an instant weekend ritual for me.”
Others expressed excitement about finally having elevated Italian food in the city.
“We have good food here already, but this is next level,” said college student Anthony Kim. “If it’s anything like Ask For Luigi in Vancouver, I know it’s going to be packed.”
Both restaurants are expected to open in spring 2025, aligning with the grand opening of the TriCity Pavilion. Final dates have not yet been announced, but construction is in its final stages and signage for both tenants has already been spotted at the site.
A Glimpse into the Future of Suburban Dining
The expansion of Nemesis Coffee and Gigi’s by Ask For Luigi into Coquitlam is part of a broader trend: the decentralization of top-tier culinary experiences from downtown cores to suburban nodes. As real estate prices and consumer preferences shift, suburbs like Coquitlam are becoming increasingly attractive to restaurateurs and lifestyle brands seeking long-term viability and community integration.
But for now, for those who live, work, or play in the Tri-Cities, one thing is clear: good coffee and great pasta are about to get a lot closer.
