About the Narrow Group
Empowering the arts to lead Vancouver’s future
Our Mission
The Narrow Group is driving Vancouver’s evolution by supporting unconventional ideas to shape the city’s future. Our vision is a thriving arts and entertainment community that shapes policy and culture and has the power to disregard NIMBY opposition. Our 10-Year Audacious Goal: To have the arts and entertainment community leading policy and culture in Vancouver.
Core Values
1. Rooted integrity
2. Work is play
3. Reject conformity
4. Humility first
Our Founder
The Narrow Group and its vision are guided by its founder, David Duprey. Visit Davidduprey.com to learn more about his role in the company and how The Narrow Group began.
Past Projects
The Rickshaw Theatre
Founders. Former Owner & Operator
Initially the site for Kung-Fu movie enthusiasts, the original Shaw Theatre was a hub of activity in the 1970s. Aptly re-named The Rickshaw Theatre as a nod to its Kung Fu celluloid heritage, this theatre re-emerged as a live music powerhouse in 2009. The Rickshaw Theatre features brilliant sight lines and exceptional acoustics.
Today the 600-capacity site is a popular venue within Vancouver’s lively music scene as well as a destination for international talent. This modern space, replete with historical cachet, has become a vibrant symbol of revitalization in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
The Fox Cabaret
Co-Founders. Former Co-Owners
The Fox Cabaret is a 200-seat live music venue and cabaret located on Vancouver’s trendy Main Street. The project began as a partnership between The Narrow Group and the people behind the revamping of the Waldorf Hotel, Arrival Agencies.
Initially our role in the partnership was to oversee day-to-day renovations and business operations. In addition, we were responsible for negotiating the lease agreement and securing a liquor license and permits from various municipal and provincial agencies.
Fox Cabaret is now operated by Arrival Agencies and we are very proud of our role during the launch of this project.
Burnout Cafe
Founders, Owners, Operator
Burnout Cafe was a vibrant coffee shop in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood of East Vancouver. It featured a large parking lot and was created to be a meetup spot for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. The interior featured moto-themed local art, art bikes on display, and was welcoming and inclusive.
The city block the cafe was on was redeveloped, so Burnout had to close its doors, however the good times and community around it became the jumping off point for all of Narrow Group’s future motorcycle-related projects.
Taco Ding Dong
Founders, Owners, Operator
Taco Ding Dong was the most bonkers, ‘screw the rules, lets do this’ project The Narrow Group has done to date. After covid, a lot of people were feeling the pinch of higher prices and not able to eat out as often, and there was a sense of nostalgia for the good old days when fast food was actually cheap…
Lets just say that one thing led to another, and Taco Ding Dong ended after we got a cease and desist or from a certain large Tex-Mex fast food chain.
But all is not lost, because Taco Ding Dong’s spirit (and old school fast food prices!) live on though with Taco Kat, which we pinky promise doesn’t infringe on any trademarks.
The Emerald
Founders, Owners, Operators
The Emerald was a Vegas-inspired supperclub and lounge, and was located in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. With seating for over 200 people in a collection of unique spaces, the venue was terrific for elaborate dinners or simply unwinding with a cocktail. With a lounge, main dining area, long dining tablet, stage and back room with second bar, the venue was able to play host to private parties, concerts, performances, and even grand-style weddings.
Unable to keep operating during the covid pandemic, the Emerald closed its doors in April 2021. It was an amazing seven-and-a-half-year ride, and truly one of Vancouver’s most unique spots.
This Monkey's Gone to Heaven
Owner, Curator
Oddities, Trinkets and Scientific Interests – This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven has a variety of products available in store to keep the mind curious and encourage exploration! Through the shop, classes & workshops are available for enrollment, and are hosted in the studio space attached to the store front.
Weirdo's Holiday Market
Creators, Organizers, Curators