One local restaurant is facing serious allegations.
Cold shoulders and long wait times are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to community complaints about Monarca Restaurant & Supper Club.
The Mexican restaurant is Vancouver’s self-proclaimed “jungle oasis,” and offers vibrant eats and lively events. The establishment’s culinary offerings are inspired by the “influence both [Chef Fransisco’s] parents made on his culinary style” and summers in the Michoacán region of Mexico. However, Monarca has recently come under fire for concerning patterns of neglectful and discriminatory practices.
The jungle-themed interior of Monarca Restaurant & Supper Club. Photo: Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
At a cursory glance of Monarca’s Google Reviews, the restaurant’s 4.0 star average rating and glowing reviews suggest the locale is a well-liked spot. However, a deep dive into patron feedback details customers being “forgotten about”, rushed, and “treat[ed] … with zero respect.”
Shockingly, many potential visitors claim to have had their reservations cancelled last minute with little to no explanation. One review claims they called the establishment a whopping thirty-six times before the manager called back with a finalized time, and even jokes that “You have a better chance of having an overall better experience at ICBC getting a new licence than at this place.”
One review featuring a jab at both Monarca and ICBC. Name and photo covered for privacy. Photo: Google Reviews
Not only has the manager’s conduct been flagged, one review reports that “the owner's attitude was shocking … he seemed to go out of his way to ignore us … making it clear that we weren’t welcome.” Another states that the owner has a “terrible attitude” and acts inconvenienced by customers.
One example of a review complaining about the owner's conduct. Name and photo covered for privacy. Photo: Google Reviews
That being said, these accusations pale in comparison to one particular complaint. A recent review states that her group of six had purchased $52 tickets to Monarca’s Kiko Franco event and were denied entry seemingly without an explanation. The group felt they had no other option but to pay the bouncer an additional $150 bribe to be allowed into the establishment. The bouncer then reportedly told the group that “no brown men [were] allowed” entry to the event, an act not only deplorable but illegal under the Canadian Human Rights Act. The review’s author says they are “not the type to usually do this, but [they] will not stand for racist establishments.”
Promotional materials for Monarca's Kiko Franco event. Photo: Monarca Vancouver/Instagram
These accusations are serious and raise important questions about Monarca’s commitment to equitable treatment and professional conduct. While the restaurant continues to host events and draw patrons, the volume and consistency of negative feedback, especially those alleging discrimination, warrant closer scrutiny.
The review detailing the alleged racism at Monarca's event. Name and photo covered for privacy. Photo: Google Reviews
Under the Canadian Human Rights Act, businesses are legally obligated to provide services without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or other protected grounds. If these claims are substantiated, Monarca could face legal consequences and further damage to its reputation within Vancouver.
Whether Monarca will address these concerns or continue to brush them aside remains to be seen. For now, the restaurant sits at a crossroads between its vibrant image and the lived experiences of those who say they were severely mistreated.
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