A popular Parisian-inspired cafe on Halifax’s waterfront has shut its doors, just a year and a half after opening.
Creme, located on the Lower Water Street boardwalk, served its last customers at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 10. The closure was announced the night before in an emotional post on Facebook by Zoey Boosey, operating partner of Beyond Hospitality Group, the company behind the cafe.
Boosey wrote that the decision was driven by circumstances beyond her control and that she had fought to keep Creme open until the end. She described the cafe as her personal vision, saying she had been closely involved in everything from its original concept and design to its menu and overall atmosphere. According to her post, the business was still growing and building its customer base, and had already begun a new stage of development before the closure.
Boosey did not detail the specific financial difficulties behind the decision, saying only that the businesses she operates have faced significant financial challenges and that there is more to the story she plans to share at a later time.
Creme described itself on the company website as a Parisian-inspired cafe combining a sophisticated design with a stylish, approachable atmosphere overlooking the Halifax waterfront, specializing in artisanal pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and classic afternoon tea. Its interior featured ornate, storybook-like decor in a pink and white palette.
News of the closure prompted a wave of visits from regular customers in its final hours. Rachael Greenland-Smith drove in from Maitland after hearing about the news the night before, saying she had received a gift certificate to the cafe for her birthday after falling in love with it during an earlier visit. Caleb Allred, who had celebrated his daughter’s first birthday at the cafe, said it was the overall atmosphere as much as the food that made the spot special to his family. Jacqueline Swinemar drove in from Chester after learning her upcoming reservation for her daughter’s birthday would no longer be possible, opting instead to pick up desserts before the cafe closed for good.
Beyond Hospitality Group also operates Sea Smoke, located nearby on Lower Water Street. The company previously ran Vandal Doughnuts, which closed both of its locations earlier this year, including one that sat next door to Creme.
In her Facebook post, Boosey thanked customers for supporting the cafe through birthdays, afternoon teas, brunches and other gatherings, saying they made Creme more than just a cafe. She said she did not choose this outcome but intends to continue working in the industry, stating her plans for what comes next remain undetermined.
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