About four days ago, I received news that our beloved local French-Canadian inspired bistro is closing its doors. After a remarkable journey spanning 7 years, Syl and Darren’s remarkable adventure that started as the first kickstarter-backed restaurant in Alberta and the most funded restaurant Kickstarter campaign in Canada seems to be drawing to a close.
And I swear, emotionally, it’s like a death in the family. I can’t figure out why this blog post feels like a freaking eulogy: I know in my heart everyone will go on to do more incredible things. And I’m mad at myself for being so down. I want to ball up my fists and scream. So this is cathartic.
To me, they’re more than a local restaurant. I vividly remember my conversation with co-founder Syl when I first learned of their huge Kickstarter success. It was during a breezy outdoor soccer season, the grass was green, and my excitement for them was palpable. I threw myself and my work into supporting their cause, determined to help them endure. Ultimately, I don’t think I helped much; they definitely had their secret sauce figured out, and an incredible amount of momentum. To add to this, my older two children now work there. They’ve absolutely started to dabble in the Self Actualization part of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, supported and challenged by incredible ownership and staff. As a parent, it’s been incredible to witness.
Watching Chartier grow and evolve – and their graceful adaptation during the Covid lockdown – was a site to behold. They adjusted their menu, creating a unique, hybrid experience of hot takeout or bake-at-home experiences. Their food was still delicious. Their smiling faces and service-first personas still there. But under the surface, you could tell their hearts were heavy. They yearned for the days of shared dining experiences, life celebrations, and the genuine expression of their love for culinary arts — that essence defined Chartier.
So when the covid restrictions were lifted, of course they were more than happy to return to business as usual.
Yet “business as usual” has eluded us all. I can tell you that from personal experience, the last 3+ years of coping has tested my family’s resilience. Recovery has been slow. Economic issues continue to dog progress – be it post-secondary school, vehicle prices, groceries, whatever. And that’s just my comparatively small family. I can only begin to fathom the complex situations a 62-employee local eatery like Chartier or any small business is going through on any given day.
And I fear it’s only going to get worse.
My heart aches for all the brave folks that are trying so desperately to live up to why they started their business in the first place. Their passions, their distinct contributions to the market – either through products or services – these cornerstones seem to matter less and less. As the economy contracts and corporate behemoths exert their influence, causing ripples through inflation, employment, and investment, bad things start to happen.
Let’s get back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for a minute. I have a point to make, honest. According to Abraham Maslow, in order to achieve self-actualization, the fundamental necessities of sustenance and security to the intricacies of relationships need to be fulfilled first. It’s clear that these these are all in the wheelhouse of what local, impassioned small businesses provide. They are more than providers of goods or services; they serve as sanctuaries where like-minded individuals find their tribe and build a strength-in-numbers unstoppable force. Or, at least, we thought unstoppable.
In the absence of this solid foundation, it’s not clear to me how our culture – and by extension, our intrinsic human needs – can rise above, so that we as individuals can actually be the best versions of ourselves.
I know there are great things ahead for the owners and partners, their staff and collaborators. I truly do. Good things happen to good people. But right now, watching such a mighty force be hacked to the ground still feels like a preventable tragedy, one that leaves a gaping void.
Vivre sans aimer n’est pas proprement vivre.
Addendum
If you’ve never been, or if you want to support, or whatever – there’s still time. Go and make that reservation. Pick up some lovely bakery items (the sourdough and donuts – wow), preserves or other items. Not only will you just really enjoy yourself but they need your support more than ever! Thank you.
