[Barnaby]

I get the need to be responsible with taxpayers money and that a 'shared investment model' needs to be part of this, but I believe that this is partly due to the loss of photo radar funds as well.

Our urban environment and climate are challenging enough and while these can be revenue producing and thereby should justify some fee structure, it's only trying to offset the ~30% loss of business post COVID due to WFH and other impacts.

Ian, I mean this politely because I'm a fan of Westrich's business in the core, but you guys are also rightfully the beneficiaries of COE's programs for Central housing. Why shouldn't central businesses receive the same help?

 

[IanO]

I'm 100% behind zero patio fees and am often found on a Downtown/Central patio and have spoken with a few of the folks interviewed about a different pathway forward. BUT, I get the need to find some sort of new formula given the changes to revenue, it's just that this plan is punitive and needs to be revisited to find something fair for the proprietors. There needs to be a better middle ground for all.

 

[David A]

City Admin really should have to live in the city. This is getting ridiculous.

They should live in reality. They have no idea how hard it is for small businesses and others running restaurants to make a go of it, particularly downtown. Jacking up these fees at this time is not helpful.

 

[IanO]

Everyone, including the City, has revenue issues and cost control challenges, but for me it is about the how, where and why that frustrates me when you look at the overall benefit and ancillary benefits to a more patio-friendly city.

It's important to be mindful that these fees were covered/offset by the City for a number of years and so reinstating them will always be a challenge and trigger point, but how do we find ways to look at the bigger picture and broader impact of our decisions.

 

[Tropical]

^Their Thursday 8 for $88 deal (8 items including a bottle of wine for $88) still one of the best deals imo for what you get.

Question - am I coming as a party of 2,3 or 4 based on how much comes out of the kitchen?

 

[IanO]

It was certainly fine for 2 hungry folks and would be suitable for 3 wanting enough for a snack, but not full dinner amount.

I would even say that 4 just wanting a small bite would be ok.

 

[ADob]

Popped into Seitans on Sunday and damn, wish we'd gone before. Their faux spicy Korean chicken sandwich alone will keep me going back!

 

[Gronk!]

Sunterra Cellar has shut its doors in Commerce Place.

Note: the person who put up the CLOSED signs needs to invest in a spellchecker.

 

[IanO]

Edmonton Downtown | Downtown Dining Week

Craving savings? Get exclusive dining deals at over 60 restaurants during Downtown Dining Week.

www.edmontondowntown.com

 

[johnnyboy]

Restaurant franchisor Foodtastic buys Alberta chain Central Social Hall

Restaurant franchisor Foodtastic says it has acquired Central Social Hall.

www.ctvnews.ca

Downtown location has closed.

 

[IanO]

Rumours are that they are moving closer to the core...

 

[Gronk!]

Edmonton Downtown | Downtown Dining Week

Craving savings? Get exclusive dining deals at over 60 restaurants during Downtown Dining Week.

www.edmontondowntown.com

View attachment 716561

If Solar is one of the participating restaurants then I assume they'll open any day now.

 

[Gronk!]

Food Notes for February 23, 2026

OpeningsJola’s, offering seasonally-inspired Polish dishes, is now open from Thursday-Saturday in the evenings at Candid Coffee Roasters in Highlands (6419 112 Avenue NW).Enigma Bar & Kitchen i…

onlyhereforthefood.ca

Openings

• Jola’s, offering seasonally-inspired Polish dishes, is now open from Thursday-Saturday in the evenings at Candid Coffee Roasters in Highlands (6419 112 Avenue NW).
• Enigma Bar & Kitchen is now open in Old Strathcona, at 10308 81 Avenue NW.
• Bowling alley chain Splitsville is opening its first Edmonton location on February 27 at 13543 St. Albert Trail. It will be joined by a second location in South Edmonton Common later this year.

Closures

• Central Social Hall’s downtown location is now closed, and has been acquired by restaurant franchisor Foodtastic. It appears Central Social Hall’s Ellerslie and St. Albert locations are still open.

 

[Greenspace]

^Hmm, so maybe a Milestones there then?

 

[IanO]

First time at Bar Trove last night.

+
-The room is beautiful and incredibly well done.
-Wonderful to see this building back in use
-Clearly a lot of time and attention to detail
-Food was good overall and a slight twist on things is refreshing
-Beautifully presented dishes
-Striploin cooked perfectly

-
-No coat check?
-While beautiful, the tables were way too tightly spaced, with the table beside us barely able to slide in while we held our drinks to ensure they remained standing
-Unsure what was up with staffing, but there seemed to only be a bartender for the first 20, which made things slow and odd
-Was curious about the chicken nuggets, which turned out to be way over seasoned and about 75% batter to chicken
-If you are charging those prices, a few chunks of visible lobster would be nice
-Service quality was below average with our table uncleaned for some time between dinner/dessert and then swiped clean with a bunch of food landing on my jacket on the bench (again, no coat check offer?)

Overall 7-10 given pricing and expectation.