Edmonton restaurant closes its doors amid ‘disagreement’

EDMONTON — Just over a year after opening in the newly-restored Alberta Hotel, Tavern 1903 has closed its doors.

In a post on the restaurant website, its owners Larry and Melinda Stewart — who also own Hardware Grill — explain the difficult decision with “sadness and regret.”

“We apologize for both the disappointment and the inconvenience that this will cause,” they write.

“This closure comes as a result of a disagreement with our sublandlord that we were unable to resolve. The matter has been referred to our legal counsel and because of the likelihood of litigation we are not in a position to provide further details of the dispute. Restaurants and food are our heart and soul. The decision to close our doors was agonizing.

“For those of you who have gift cards for Tavern 1903, we will honour those cards, at face value, at our other restaurant, Hardware Grill until June 30th, 2015. These gift cards are not eligible for refunds. Hardware Grill remains open for business as it has for 18 years from Monday to Saturday from 5pm onwards.

“As this chapter comes to an end, there are many people we would like to thank.

“Our staff and managers were a hardworking team of amazing professionals. We are ever grateful for their service and dedication. We deeply regret the impact that our closure will have on them and on their families. We are actively connecting with our friends in the restaurant community to find our staff other employment.

“We would like to extend our thanks to our suppliers, the local restaurant and food community and the other businesses that have provided services to us for their unwavering support.

“Most importantly, we extend our thanks to each and every customer who we had the chance to serve. Your enthusiasm for our food and service made each day worthwhile.”

Global News tried contacting the owners but were told by an employee that the couple will not be commenting as the matter is before the courts.