Edmonton’s popular dining spot Biera closing down

One of Edmonton’s most popular dining spots is closing after years in business.

After more than seven years in business, this popular restaurant in Edmonton is closing its doors by the end of December. The owner telling CityNews, changes to market conditions and economy are to blame.

“We got tons of sort of critical success. Lots of customers over the years, tens of thousands a year but it’s time for a reset for the restaurant,” said Greg Zeschuk, Owner of Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company.

Last week, owner of Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company, Greg Zeschuk, announced the plan to shut down his popular neighbourhood restaurant Biera located in Edmonton’s Ritchie market along with the market brewery on 100 street and 101 avenue.

“Market conditions have changed. Post covid, people do a ton of take out. Our food doesn’t fit take out and if we actually re -did the food we will be doing the restaurant,” said Zeschuk.

The economy is also a contributing factor in closing down says Zeschuk.

“It’s not Sunday morning the challenge. The challenges Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm, that’s when you need people constantly and that’s where the restaurant has to really hustle and bring people in,” said Zeschuk.

Just days after the announcement, community support has been pouring in for the business, which was listed as one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants for four consecutive years.

“I think that there’s no question that we will have another restaurant, probably with some beer element as well. To what degree? What we’re doing, but doing it differently.

Though Zeschuk is sad to see Biera closing, he says the change will allow him to put greater focus on blind enthusiasm’s other brewery in the monolith.