Restaurant industry hoped for support in Alberta's latest budget
Some industry advocates are disappointed that after years of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation, they were left out of Alberta's latest budget.
Melissa Crudo is the COO and owner of Amore Pasta and Black Pearl Seafood Bar. She thought the pandemic, with ever-changing public health measures, would be the most difficult challenge she'd have to face.
"The only thing we're battling with right now is inflation," she said. "But we're trying to manage as best as we can."
Crudo says they're constantly evaluating their business and expenses as supply costs rise.
"[We're] really focusing on food costs and going into a deeper analysis of every ingredient that goes into our products," Crudo said. "And we don't want to pass the buck onto the customers just because we're battling with inflation."
"There's so many overhead costs that not many people put two and two together," Crudo added.
Both restaurants have also noticed different spending habits from customers as the economy changes.
"We find that not a lot of people are going out and spending as much in alcohol," she added.
To help pivot to shifting demands, Amore Pasta launched a pizza product last month and is continuing to sell gift boxes that they first offered once in-person dining was halted during the pandemic.
"We've introduced new product lines to expose ourselves to new customers," Crudo said. "Every penny means something. It might not seem like a big deal in your day-to-day, but if it adds up over a year, it's a big amount."
Many bars and eateries are facing similar or worse situations, said Mark von Schellwitz with Restaurants Canada.
Over the pandemic, many restaurants incurred debt that they are now struggling to pay off, he added, since food costs have risen about 15 per cent, with utility bills, property taxes and other supply costs surging as well.
"We still have a lot of restaurants in Alberta that are still in a really fragile state," von Schellwitz said. "We've got half of our members that are losing money or barely breaking even, and a lot of them are concerned that they are not generating enough income because of labour shortages."
He had hoped to see more help from the provincial government in last week's budget, specifically a reduction in small business taxes or help in filling job vacancies with the industry short about 18,000 staff — 44 per cent higher than the average industrial rate.
"In order to spur growth that there be more of a break on small business taxes," von Schellwitz said.
Charlotte Taillon, Finance Minister Travis Toews' press secretary, told CTV News Edmonton that the fuel tax removal and continuing the electricity and natural gas rebates are helping cut operating costs for businesses.
"Budget 2023 continues [Alberta's] advantage by keeping the corporate tax rate low to support our growing businesses and by keeping our personal tax advantage intact in order to both attract and retain talent in the province," Taillon added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Security guard shot, critically injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.