not_a_hipster

I'm going to wager a guess and say the rent for that space in historic properties is probably over-inflated. The only seating areas are shared with Subway and poorly lit. And apart from Saint Lou's and Gahan, that building is mostly empty. Where they may lose out, is during the peak tourism months of June/July, however, its unlikely that these months can cover the cost of an entire year.

Also, to the person complaining that the Dartmouth location is not on the way to work... I would argue that the Halifax location isn't either. Unless you work in/near Purdy's Wharf its unlikely you would ever walk through historic properties.