Iconic PNE doughnut vendor not returning after fair rejects application
An iconic food vendor at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver won't be returning this summer after its application was rejected.
Those Little Donuts, which serves up cinnamon-sugar-dusted treats, said in a statement on social media it won't be at the fair this year.
"The PNE Food Committee regrets to inform you that your applications have not been accepted to participate at the PNE Fair as we already have similar products," the company said, quoting the rejection letter it received from the PNE.
Fans of the doughnut cart shared their disappointment on social media, with some saying the products "don't compare" to others. Others called the doughnuts a PNE "staple."
"We're very, very disappointed that we're not there. It's been such a hard two years with COVID and everything like that," Nathan Maier, owner of Those Little Donuts, told CTV News Vancouver.
Three other doughnut vendors will still be available at this year's fair.
"We made the decision based on a variety of reasons to not bring back that booth and instead bring in the booth that is owned by the granddaughter of the founder of mini doughnuts in Canada," PNE spokesperson Laura Ballance explained.
Every year, the fair offers an eclectic spread of food. Last year, with "fair fundamentals" as the theme, options varied widely from a new vendor offering exclusively plant-based options to another that offered a chicken sandwich with two doughnuts for buns.
Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the fair was forced to pivot its setup, operators hosted a "Taste of the PNE" drive-thru experience so fans could still get their favourites.
This year's fair opens on Saturday.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Angela Jung
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.