Hey Happy is taking over Cook Street Village's empty Starbucks

The old Starbucks in Cook Street Village, dark since it closed last September, has a new tenant, and it's a Victoria name. Hey Happy will open its third location in the neighbourhood this winter, adding to its shops on Johnson and at Uptown.

Co-owner Rob Kettner says the team wasn't hunting for another spot. Then Jawl Properties, which owns the building, came calling. Kettner says the landlords fielded interest from bigger companies but wanted a local operator in the space.

Renovations start in the coming months with Victoria design firm Bidgood, the same shop behind Hey Happy's Lower Johnson café. Expect the downtown favourites, plus a few items unique to Cook Street and a heavier lean on weekend brunch.