'Letting go isn't easy': Dalla Tavola Zenari restaurant announces closure amid 'financial hurdles'

The interior of Dalla Tavola Zenari in an undated photo. (Courtesy: Trip Advisor)

A popular dinner destination in downtown Edmonton will be closing its doors before year’s end after 40 years.

Dalla Tavola Zenari, located at 10166 100A St., made the announcement over social media and their website on Monday, citing COVID-19 as the main cause of the closure.

Zenari’s was the first iteration of the franchise, which opened at Manulife Place in 1984. It was owned by Adriano Zenari.

The Italian restaurant evolved into Dalla Tavola Zenari which opened during the peak of COVID-19 at Enbridge Centre in 2020 after the original Zenari’s permanently closed in 2019.

The new location was operated by Adriano’s daughter and son-in-law, Elisa Zenari and Ran Huget, with Adriano’s son, Giancarlo Zenari, running the kitchen.

The owners stated they’ve “faced many obstacles” including limited access to pandemic support and financial hurdles.

“We’ve survived thanks to the unwavering support of our loyal customers, dedicated staff, friends, and family. We’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have a landlord who truly understands the challenges small independent businesses face in these volatile times,” the statement read.

“Letting go isn’t easy, especially because we believe so deeply in what we’ve created, but sometimes the bravest choice is acknowledging you’ve done all you can.”

Dalla Tavola Zenari’s last day of business will be Dec. 31.