Small and local businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and many are thinking they might not make it through. Already we're seeing some iconic businesses close in Calgary. Recently, a crown jewel in the city's food scene just closed for good and it could be just the start of something worse. Since declaring a public health emergency, restaurants in Alberta aren't allowed to take patrons into their stores anymore. Having to either run on just takeout and delivery or close, many simply don't have the cash to keep going. Tons of beloved restaurants are temporarily closed, and many think they might never open again. The Midtown Kitchen & Bar in Calgary is closing its doors for good, after facing hardships caused by the pandemic. After six years as a well-loved local supplier of great craft beer, they announced over social media on Tuesday, April 21 that COVID-19 and "difficult landlords" that they're unable to keep afloat. "We want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years as we have had a great run and will miss many of you," they wrote on Instagram. "Here’s to new beginnings." People flooded the comments with messages of support and disappointment. "Very saddened to hear this," wrote one person. "Worrisome to see one of the biggest supporters of the Alberta craft beer scene forced out through no fault of their own. View this post on Instagram Well after 6 long great years we have had to close our doors. Being shut down due to Covid 19 and difficult landlords we have had to close up permanently. We want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years as we have had a great run and will miss many of you. Here’s to new beginnings. #covid_19 #smallbusiness #lackofgovernmentsupport @cityofcalgary @kensingtonyyc A post shared by Midtown Kitchen & Bar (@midtownyyc) on Apr 21, 2020 at 12:48pm PDT The restaurant industry wasn't the only one hit hard by the pandemic. A month earlier, the Shakers Fun Centre also closed for good on Monday, March 9. The bumper car and arcade came to an end after 15 years in the community. "I used to love going here, playing arcade games with the family. This is what we need to worry about now!!" wrote one fan on Instagram. View this post on Instagram Well here we go with businesses starting to permanately close! I used to love going here, playing arcade games with the family. This is what we need to worry about now!! ☹️ #business #businessshutdown #rip #shakers #shakersfuncentre #businessclosure #pinball #arcade A post shared by @ jbscar on Apr 13, 2020 at 6:30am PDT Great local shops and restaurants like the Ironwood Stage & Grill, Oak Tree Tavern, The Next Page Books and Coffeeshop, the Garage Sports Bar, and many more have shuttered their doors for now. Meanwhile, other restaurants have been shut down by Alberta Health Services for breaking social distancing rules. Three were closed just this month, including Roadking Wok N Grill, the Stonewall Pub, and the Van Gogh Grill & Bar. We are so sorry to hear this......you guys were a staple for great local craft beer.— Common Crown Brewing Co. (@CommonCrownBrew) April 21, 2020 Local businesses around the nation are also suffering with many stores in Toronto and Ottawa also announcing that they're closed for good. But not all hope is lost — many are pivoting to delivery and take-out options, and business is still survivable for some.
