Autostrada on Main Closes in December: What Vancouver Diners Need to Know
Autostrada, a popular Italian restaurant in Vancouver, will close its original location at 4811 Main St in December 2024. This marks the end of an eight-year journey for the restaurant, which opened as the first Autostrada location. Owners Dustin Dockendorf and Lucais Syme announced the closure via email and on Instagram, thanking loyal customers for their support over the years.
Known for its casual, osteria-style dining, Autostrada offered dishes like bucatini with cacio e pepe, vitello tonnato, and burrata with prosciutto. It served as a more relaxed alternative to Syme’s upscale restaurant, Cinara. In late 2018, Cinara was rebranded as an Autostrada location, followed by the opening of another Autostrada in Vancouver House.
Interview with Dustin Dockendorf and Lucais Syme: Reflecting on the Journey of Autostrada’s Original Location
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dustin and Lucais, for joining us today to discuss the significant milestone of Autostrada closing its original location. Can you tell us what led to the decision to close the Main Street restaurant?
Dustin Dockendorf: Thank you for having us. Closing our original location was not an easy decision. After eight years of serving our community, we felt it was time to pass the torch. We are excited about the future and want to focus on our other locations, particularly the ones at Vancouver House and Capo and the Spriz.
Lucais Syme: We’ve cherished every moment at this location, but we believe transitioning to new owners will allow Autostrada’s spirit to thrive in new ways. It’s bittersweet, but we are thrilled about what lies ahead.
News Directory 3: Autostrada quickly became a staple for many diners in Vancouver. What do you attribute to its success over the years?
Lucais Syme: We’ve always focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere and serving authentic, delicious Italian cuisine. Our casual osteria-style dining allows guests to feel at home, and we pride ourselves on using quality ingredients in every dish, from our bucatini with cacio e pepe to the burrata with prosciutto.
Dustin Dockendorf: It’s about the community, too. We have an incredible loyal customer base that has been with us through thick and thin. Their support has truly helped shape Autostrada into what it is today.
News Directory 3: Can you share a favorite memory from your time at the Main Street location?
Dustin Dockendorf: Oh, there are so many! I think one standout moment was when we hosted our first community event. Seeing our neighbors come together, sharing laughs and good food, really encapsulated what we wanted Autostrada to be about—a gathering place for friends and families.
Lucais Syme: I also remember special evenings when guests would undergo a culinary journey with our food pairings. Watching customers discover new flavors and come back to share their experiences was incredibly rewarding.
News Directory 3: What does the future hold for Autostrada, and how do you envision your brand evolving?
Lucais Syme: We are very optimistic! The Vancouver House location will continue to showcase the essence of Autostrada, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with our new owners to keep that spirit alive. Additionally, at Capo and the Spriz, we hope to explore new culinary creations that resonate with our customers.
Dustin Dockendorf: Yes! We see this as an exciting evolution rather than an end. The closure of this location opens up new opportunities for innovation and growth within our brand. We’re passionate about continuing to serve our customers and explore what’s next.
News Directory 3: what message do you want to share with your loyal customers as this chapter ends?
Lucais Syme: We want to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the years. Your loyalty means the world to us, and we hope you’ll continue this journey with us at our other locations.
Dustin Dockendorf: Absolutely! Thank you for the memories, the meals, and the moments together. While the Main Street location may close its doors in December, we look forward to welcoming you at our future ventures to create even more memories.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your time, Dustin and Lucais. We wish you the best in this new chapter of Autostrada.
While the Main Street location will close on December 14, the Vancouver House restaurant will continue operations. Dockendorf and Syme noted that the spirit of Autostrada remains alive at another venue, Capo and the Spriz in the Opus Hotel, Yaletown. They expressed excitement for the future as they pass the business to new owners.