A popular downtown restaurant will close its doors next week because its owners say they fear for the safety of themselves and their customers.
Society Gathering House opened three years ago in a renovated heritage home at Princess and Nowell.
But in a letter posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page on Friday, managing partner Fabrizio Rossi says he’s had enough.
A shooting death a few blocks away in April, and other incidents in the neighbourhood over the past year has left him worried for his staff and his costumers.
“We have all heard the many stories about the downtown core lately and tragedies happening in our beautiful city over the last year,” Rossi writes. “Due to these circumstances and the volatile incidents over the last year on Princess and Nowell and the drug infested house across the street from Society Gathering House I decided that I will not be fighting this battle anymore.
“I’m only one person and I can only make sure our patrons have a great experience inside, but I cannot fight the battle outside as I could end up paying the ultimate price to run Society Gathering House.
“I don’t feel safe anymore so I will shut the doors of Society Gathering House next week and fence my building until better and safer times.”
Rossi says Society’s last day will be May 22.