Popular Jasper business relocating to downtown Edmonton
Posted February 18, 2025 6:25 pm.
Last Updated February 18, 2025 6:30 pm.
A popular Jasper business destroyed in last summer’s wildfire is relocating to Edmonton. Patricia Street Deli will soon open its doors in the heart of downtown Edmonton.
“It took time to come to that decision because of the tremendous grief that we experienced. We need to reopen because financially and emotionally we need to get back to work,” explained Wendy Leitch, Patricia Street Deli.
Glen and Wendy Leitch are among thousands who were forced to flee Jasper due to the July wildfires. After calling Jasper home for 20 years, the couple tells CityNews they’re excited to finally start a new chapter in Edmonton.
“So many people have missed us so many heartfelt feelings about us reopening. That was anything as much as a motivator and our children are helping us and that’s why we’re doing it,” said Glen.
The couple is keeping the Patricia Street Deli name but they want to add a new edmonton touch to it. The new deli will be located at 10567 111 Street and will be transformed into a full restaurant with an open kitchen, a bar, and also a coffee and eat-in sandwich bar.
“Everything we did in Jasper we’re redoing and taking it to the next level,” said Glen.
Wendy adding, “We are more than a fabulous amazing sandwich. We are an experience. We’re a community.”
While Glen and Wendy are still trying to figure out some insurance issues after losing their 20-year-old business, they’re now turning to the community to help them finance their new venture using an online crowdfunding platform.
“The Kickstarter is not just about the money but it’s also about everyone who knows us and loves us has an opportunity to participate to be part of this rebuild,” explained Wendy.
Although they’re still grieving, the couple says they hope their story inspires other jasperites after suffering a tremendous loss in the fires.
“All of us from Jasper are pretty resilient and we’ll all be making decisions in how we move forward as we move through the grief,” said Wendy.
