Bandidas Turns 10!

When we started Bandidas, we had modest dreams and army of friends and family willing to help us make them happen. We could have never anticipated growing to eventually employ 50+ people who manage daily lineups for our food. This growth has helped us realize our goals of re-investing in this community and in our staff’s well-being and professional development, donating to environmental and human rights causes we care about, and bringing tasty vegetarian meals to all of our dear customers, new and old.

On January 5th, Bandidas celebrated a decade in business with an anniversary party. It included all new tacos from our kitchen, some spirited pinata busting, a staff art show, face painting, live music from Aaron Ross of The Boom Booms and DJ Spin Kringle, and the completion of a community mural, facilitated by Tin Can Studio.

This work of art was designed by Jenny Ritter, and painted by the customers, families, friends, and staff who attended the party, a little piece of our community to warm our walls for the years to come. Thank you to Hoyne Brewing, Strange Fellows, Four Winds, Chasers, MeeT, and Chickpea for generously donating products to the night’s fundraising raffle. We raised $321.30 for RAVEN Trust. See below for plenty of pictures from the night, and a few that are closer to 10 years old.

Even though we specifically planned it this way, we didn’t fully realize this party would bring so many generations of Bandidas together in one room. We’ve been reflecting on the number of people who have been so influential and essential for the founding and flourishing of Bandidas. We’re overwhelmed by the generosity and goodness of people.

Thank you…

To our founding crews, for believing in us enough to help us fine-tune the menu, build and renovate the space, and jump in when the dishes piled up.
To our staff (past and present), for running with the Bandidas vision and working incredibly hard every day and night.
To our customers, for your dedication, enthusiasm, and trust. This place exists for you and could not exist without you.
To East Vancouver, for the warm home you’ve given us. We’re so proud to be a part of this neighbourhood.

Here’s to 10 more years! We’re excited to continue to grow with our community.