2 minute read
Thirstyyy
Why have one ‘y’ when you can have three? Angel Peng, the founder and president of THIRSTYYY, explains the origin of the Vancouver-based convenience store’s name. “It is memorable, easy to recognize, simple and fun. It actually makes you feel thirsty with the extra y’s.”
THIRSTYYY is a newcomer to Dunbar North. The Japanese culture-based Asian snack and convenience store opened in June 2021 with five other locations now open in Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, Point Grey, downtown Vancouver, and inside the UBC Nest. Another store is planned for West Broadway, and the company has its sight set on opening shops in Richmond and Tsawwassen.
The convenience store’s concept is built on a Japanese style of marketing, management, and presentation with its immaculate and organized feel.
Angel says, “The way we present and serve products is as important as the products themselves.” She adds, “THIRSTYYY is based on a condensed version of FamilyMart, which is found everywhere in Japan and Asia.”
Elementary, high school, and UBC students and Dunbar residents are among the customers who are delighted to have THIRSTYYY in the neighbourhood.
True to the store’s name, THIRSTYYY customers are delighted to find many popular Japanese energy drinks such as Pocari and Lemon CC which are some of the most soughtafter beverages in Japan. The store often runs out as people will purchase eight to 12 bottles at a time.
“Best selected” fresh food is also available, with more selections coming soon. Products vary depending on the size of the store—Angel points out Dunbar is a smaller location.
Sushi, bento, and Japanese “sandos” (a Japanese nickname for a sandwich) include A5 Wagyu ribeye steak with handmade Hokkaido milk bread and house-made umami sauce, as well as fruit, egg tamago, pork tonkatsu, and chicken nanban sandos. “Coming soon by pre-order only, directly imported Japanese fruit such as Crown brand melon will be available, as well as the highest quality New Zealand king salmon, along with different kinds of sashimi fish, uni, and Japanese Wagyu beef which is very famous and comes with the best taste,” says Angel.
In addition to snacks, the store sells some noteworthy cosmetics.
Angel says, “Cosme creates awardwinning Japanese cosmetics. Pola is a Tokyo-based company, and their limitededition osmanthus blossom-scented body wash is currently available. People see these items on social media and on YouTube and are excited to find them here.”
Customer feedback has been extremely positive. People frequently say they feel like they are in Japan.
Beautiful ceramic ramen bowls and plates are sold in a variety of patterns. Angel describes the dishes as, “Quality, but not high priced. All are handmade and are sold at the convenience store due to their connection with food and daily uses.”
Both Angel and a colleague in Japan do the ordering for all the THIRSTYYY stores. She concludes, “We do not have time to rest, we need to keep ourselves updated to find the best products for our customers.”
Thristyyy 3378 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC V6S 2C1
www.thirstyyy.com
