Correction: A previous version of this story suggested that De Angelis credited the raise of minimum wage to the close of Il Tavolino Bistro, but De Angelis said that it was the rate in which the wage was increased, along with other factors, that expedited the restaurant’s closure.
After five years, Il Tavolino Italian Bistro has closed its doors.
Monday, March 11 was the last day to walk into the storefront to order fresh gelato or a warm meal.
“From the bottom our hearts we would like to thank all of you who have supported and believed in our vision to introduce something a little different to Kelowna. We hope that we have made a small difference in this beautiful city,” said Alessandro De Angelis in an Instagram post.
READ MORE: B.C.’s minimum wage rises to $12.65
De Angelis announced this wouldn’t be the last Kelowna will see of Il Tavolino, as they will transform into the Il Tavolino Catering Co. and will continue to offer private chef services, cooking parties and Taste of Italy pop-up dinners.
“Over the last two years, it has become more and more difficult to make a financially viable go of it. The cost of doing business is going up. Whether it is food costs, new taxes or hastily implemented wage increases imposed by the provincial government, it is becoming much harder to contend in this small but competitive market,” said De Angelis in an Instagram post.
READ MORE: B.C. to increase minimum wage to $15.20/hour in 2021
In June 2018, the provincial government has implemented a multi-step approach to move toward the $15-per-hour wage, recommended by BC’s Fair Wages Commission.
Minimum wage is set to increase to $13.85 per hour (+$1.20) in 2019, $14.60 per hour (+$0.75) in 2020, and $15.20 per hour (+$0.60) in 2021.
To book any of their services contact info@iltavolino.ca
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