After 64 years in business, the Italian Bakery in Chinatown is closing its doors for good.
The bakery has endured lots of hardship over the years but Rosaly DeVenz, the owner of the Italian Bakery, told CTV News Edmonton on Monday they did their best to persevere.
“We did try, but we’re losing business … it’s not an easy decision because I know this not only affects us – it affects the community,” said DeVenz.
The business began after DeVenz’s parents moved to Edmonton from Italy. They even lived on the top floor of the building.
In 2020, the building suffered extensive fire damage after an arson destroyed the building. Plans to rebuild were underway. After being closed for nearly four years due to renovations, the regulars “found other places to go,” according to DeVenz.
“We came back after the fire, we rebuilt, and we wanted to build in this community again, because we were hoping that us rebuilding would be able to revitalize the neighbourhood a little bit,” said the bakery owner.
“This is our community, and my parents were very strong willed and wanted us to build here again, because this is our home.”
It only took 13 months after the grand re-opening for the bakery to call it quits.
“Things have gotten worse. I feel like there’s got to be a solution somewhere. I don’t know what that is. That’s not my forte, but there’s got to be supports,” she said.