Tazzi's Cafe & Restaurant at 478 Queen St. E. has been sold, the premises soon to be home to a new eatery.
“It just seemed like it was the right time (to sell),” said Grace Barros, who co-owned Tazzi’s with partner Joe DiFlumeri and his son Marco.
The three purchased the business from its original owners July 1, 2019.
“Everything was fine for the first little while, then COVID hit,” Barros told SooToday.
“There were constant ups and downs. We’d be open for a little bit then we’d have to shut down. There were just too many restrictions and it was just impossible to bounce back.”
Joe DiFlumeri took a leave from his employment and Barros kept working full time after the purchase, working long hours to serve customers at the downtown restaurant.
Its menu included appetizers, pizza, salads, quiche, sandwiches, pasta and chicken.
“We did what we had to do to keep it going. It was always Joe and one of his kids (Marco and Alissa), and I took customers’ orders and Skip The Dishes orders. Every time we reopened we tried to do something more. We got our liquor licence, we installed the bar, changed the menu a bit to create some new traffic. Everything would be going well and it kept getting shut down (due to COVID lockdowns),” Barros said.
“It was a hard decision to sell, something we really struggled with but we couldn't catch a break because of COVID. Then there was the OLG shutdown. We depended on those office employees, especially for lunchtime, but they were working from home because they were renovating that building. We kept getting hit with something.”
The increases in minimum wage for employees and the rising cost of food and alcoholic beverages were also problematic, Barros said.
The inconveniences involved with the current reconstruction of Queen Street was also a factor in deciding to sell, she added.
Despite the challenges, Barros said owning the establishment was a pleasure.
“It was fantastic. We enjoyed it. We loved the live entertainers, our customers were fantastic and we made very good friends because we had a lot of regulars. Some of them were from out of town and they would come back in the summers.”
The owners and customers enjoyed themed parties on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and other occasions, Barros said.
“We don’t regret one minute of it at all,” Barros stated, adding she and Joe will go back to their pre-Tazzi’s work routines and enjoy some travelling.
“We thank our staff Maria, Mylin, Jarret, Maddi, Madison, Makaela and Lisa. Without their hard work and dedication we wouldn't have been able to do what we did. Joe and I also thank our loyal customers who have become friends for your continued support, encouragement and inspiration over the past five years. We truly enjoyed the time we spent together and hope that the friendships made will continue to grow. We wish you all happiness, love, laughter and good health always. Good luck to the new owners. Here's to our new chapter,” a Tazzi’s social media post stated.