Il gatto nero toronto

Michael Raviele agonized for hours over how to break the news to his loyal customers before finally announcing at a. Restaurants across Canada — from local institutions to newer spots hustling to establish themselves — have closed permanently in recent weeks as the COVID pandemic ravaged an industry already plagued by razor-thin margins.

Their owners face not only the emotional loss of their business, but also often large debt, little savings and an uncertain future. Il Gatto Nero started as an Italian social club featuring pool tables and espresso more than 60 years ago. At the new location, they saw a lot of success — like when Italy won the FIFA World Cup in — as well as some down times — like the recession — that prompted Raviele and his father to dip into personal savings to keep the restaurant afloat.

Raviele invested more money into the business in for a renovation and expanded to a second location, a small cafe in Etobicoke, in October When COVID hit and government ordered dining rooms to close, Raviele attempted to shift to take away, but eventually stopped. Bills piled up from utility companies. He plans to focus on the small espresso bar, add a pizza oven and hustle to keep that business going, which he said he invested his second life into. When they shifted to take-away to abide by health regulations amid the pandemic, foot traffic dropped dramatically.

The tea shop, which Bin Yahya opened in with dreams of growing to multiple locations, will close at the end of the month. The company had to pay penalties when closing some of their accounts with cleaning companies, internet and phone providers, and others, he said. After 34 years in one location, Wood dipped into her nest egg to help cover a move to a new spot about three years ago.

It took some time to build up a new customer base and Wood noticed in recent years, lucky restaurants made 10 per cent in profit. She debated selling the restaurant after her five-year lease ended. We had hoped to continue that legacy and tradition, to thrive for generations to come, and remain a place for families to gather and our staff to call a home away from home.

We could never have expected the impact that COVID- 19 would have on IL Gatto Nero, let alone our city, nor could we have foreseen any possibility whatsoever that we would not be able to re-open our doors by the end of this global pandemic. We anticipated that we would see ourselves through this difficult time and looked forward to the prospect of bringing our staff, families and friends who have supported us throughout the years back together again. Regrettably, this will not come to be. IL Gatto Nero will not be re-opening its doors.

We were unable to see this pandemic through to the end and we are taking this opportunity to say farewell to College Street permanently. We also were so lucky to have the support of our patrons and friends as you witnessed our family milestones, from marriages and births, to birthdays and deaths. We have shared our lives with you and your commitment, support and loyalty will never be forgotten. We wish everyone health, love and peace as we move forward during these difficult times.

IL Gatto Nero has always been about family and although out family will be smaller now that we are closing, we ask you to cherish yours and be good to one another. If you have any photos or videos you would like to share or post of IL Gatto Nero memories, please do. We would love to share your memories. The heartfelt post thanks customers, family and friends for sharing so many years of memories with the staff, and asks past patrons to share their photos and videos of good times at the restaurant.

Commenters on social media are sharing an outpouring of memories of Il Gatto Nero, such as writing a master's project on the patio, first dates, pizza and wine nights, hiding out from a mice-infested Ossington apartment and even going there during the height of SARS. Packed World Cups, a Campari at the bar and that night when Lennox Lewis fought Tyson and the crowd spilled all the way to the middle of the street.

Around since Another Covid casualty. Thx for memories. Many more comments express the heartbreak and sadness people are feeling upon receiving this news.