Downtown Edmonton's Boston Pizza Closes as Businesses Call for Relief
In a significant shift for Edmonton's urban core, the Boston Pizza location on Jasper Avenue has closed its doors after decades of operation. This closure underscores the persistent challenges facing downtown businesses, even as some areas like the Ice District show signs of recovery.
A Legacy Restaurant Bows Out
The Boston Pizza at 106 Street had been a fixture since the early 1970s, strategically positioned near major post-secondary institutions, the LRT line, and office buildings in a city of over 1.2 million people. Despite its prime location, the restaurant informed employees of its closure this week, marking the end of an era for many loyal patrons.
During its final lunch rush, the restaurant was bustling with activity, a contrast to the slower business leading up to the shutdown. Employees and customers shared emotional goodbyes, highlighting the community impact of the closure. Management at the restaurant and Boston Pizza International declined to comment on the decision, leaving the exact reasons unclear.
Mixed Signals in Downtown Recovery
The closure comes amid broader concerns about downtown Edmonton's revitalization. Some restaurants report positive trends, such as pre-pandemic vacancy rates in the commercial market, the return of Government of Alberta office workers, and increased activity from Ice District events. However, businesses on Jasper Avenue continue to face significant hurdles.
Wayne Jones, co-owner of the Rocky Mountain Ice House located near the closed Boston Pizza, noted a gradual improvement in daytime lunch crowds but emphasized that evening business remains stagnant. "It's been a very slow increase for our lunches and happy hours," Jones said. "Our evenings pretty much remain the same because the population hasn't necessarily changed in the downtown core."
Jones revealed that his business is still down 30 percent compared to pre-COVID levels, despite efforts to boost revenue. He attributes part of the struggle to rising costs, including an 80 percent property tax hike that adds an extra $2,000 monthly and increased patio fees.
Patio Fees Spark Criticism
According to city regulations, businesses must pay $6,900 for large year-round patios on public spaces or $3,700 for large seasonal patios. These fees have drawn criticism from local entrepreneurs who argue they hinder recovery efforts.
Quinn Phillips of the Downtown Business Association expressed disappointment over the patio fees, stating that patios are crucial for creating vibrancy in the area. "Patios are an important piece for vibrancy, especially with restaurants already facing razor-thin margins," Phillips said. She also pointed out that a newer Boston Pizza location in the Ice District is thriving, suggesting competition and location dynamics play a role in business success.
Jones echoed these concerns, linking the Boston Pizza closure to the broader issue of rising costs without corresponding business growth. "It's the increase in costs and not seeing a drastic increase in business, if any," he remarked. "Getting back around to Boston Pizza, that's maybe what they looked at."
Calls for Action and Hope for the Future
Business leaders are urging the city to reconsider patio fees and other financial burdens to support downtown recovery. They emphasize the need for more residents living in the core to sustain evening and weekend economies, a key factor in long-term revitalization.
While the closure of a longstanding establishment like Boston Pizza signals ongoing challenges, the shift of traffic toward the Ice District offers a glimmer of hope. As Edmonton navigates this transitional period, the focus remains on balancing economic pressures with initiatives that foster a vibrant, resilient downtown for all businesses.
