The doors have been closed at the Melfort Boston Pizza.
Avatex Melfort Stonegate received reports that the Melfort BPs was closed and after reaching out to the current operator, Ron Roberge, it was confirmed that the store was closed permanently according to partner and director with Avatex, Jim Richl.
“He stated to me in no uncertain terms very clearly that his company would no longer be operating the store,” Richl told northeastNOW.
Avatex is the landlord and has since secured the premises and are preparing to lease it out again, Richl said.
The re-opening of the BP’s is in the plans, but it is too soon to tell when that will be.
“The Boston Pizza does need some renovations and probably it will be closed for a number of months to carry out renovations for whoever the next franchise operator will be,” Richl said. “We are working with BP’s head office and are working together to get a new franchisee.”
All the perishables and freezer contents that were on hand at the BP’s have been donated to the Melfort Food Bank.
“Boston Pizza has been an important part of Melfort Stonegate and will be once again,” Richl said.
The Stonegate Shopping Centre has had many additions over the last couple years, including McDonalds, and the Liquor Loft and the Tim Hortons has also been recently renovated. Backstage has committed to building at Stonegate as well.
“All of those developments are going to aid Stonegate and aid the new Boston Pizza when it is open,” Richl said. “The new Co-op grocery which is located on city land will also be helpful for the shopping centre as well.”
Avatex has been involved in Melfort for about a dozen years, constructing the Wellness Center attached to the Melfort Hospital.
“We want everyone to know that we are committed to working with Boston Pizza to make sure there is a new operator as soon as possible,” Richl said. “The renovation will take time and will probably be a three to four month period to complete but we will have a successful Boston Pizza in Melfort Stonegate.”
northeastNOW has reached out to the operators of the Melfort Boston Pizza but they have not responded to requests for comment.
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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser