Paperbirch by Chartrand closing at Old Strathcona Farmers' Market after two years

Paperbirch by Chartrand, the Indigenous-focused cafe inside Old Strathcona Farmers' Market on 83rd Avenue NW, is closing its doors after two years of operation.

Shane Chartrand, an acclaimed Indigenous chef who has competed on Top Chef Canada, Iron Chef Canada, Chopped Canada, Fridge War, and Wall of Chefs, is departing the cafe. The Old Strathcona Farmers' Market thanked him in an Instagram post, highlighting the "culinary talent" and "Indigenous flavours and perspectives" he brought to the space.

Chartrand's restaurant experience runs deep in Edmonton. He previously ran the SC restaurant at Edmonton's River Cree Resort and Casino and authored the cookbook tawâw: Progressive Indigenous Cuisine, which blends recipes with personal stories and explores the history, flavours, and traditions of Indigenous cooking.

While stepping back from the daily cafe operation, Chartrand will continue his work with the market. He'll keep hosting the monthly Indigenous Taste of the Market dinners — intimate chef-led events where tickets are still available for November. The market's closing statement: "We can't wait to see what you cook up next! Keep up with Shane on Instagram and Facebook, and if you see him around the market, be sure to say hi!"

The market didn't explain why Paperbirch is closing, and the timing comes as other Edmonton food spots have shuttered in recent months. Island Brew Coffee House and KB&co closed after a few years of operation, and at least six downtown Edmonton restaurants closed since early June.

Bus Barn Cafe launches in the space on October 19, offering breakfast, lunch, grab-and-go options, and weekly specials. The Old Strathcona Farmers' Market operates every weekend at 10310 83rd Avenue NW.