COVID nudges Marathon Ethiopian restaurant over finish line after 24 years - Action News
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Calgary

COVID nudges Marathon Ethiopian restaurant over finish line after 24 years

Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant, an iconic eatery in Calgary's Kensington district, closed its doors for good last Wednesday, primarily due to COVID-19.

Northwest Calgary eatery served up authentic food and community

Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant shut its doors for good on Oct. 20. The owner says COVID was a big part of the decision. (David Bell/CBC)

It's kind of a family tradition.

Andrea Minor has been a customer of anEthiopian restaurant in Calgary's Kensington district for 23 years.

Her daughter first experienced it when she was very young.

"It's a staple in this community," Minor said of the Marathon Ethiopian restaurant, in an interview with CBC News.

"I've been taking my daughter there since she was two. It's funny, my daughter is now pregnant and she craves Marathon. We had it just two weeks ago."

Andrea Minor, right, said her daughter experienced Marathon for the first time when she was just two years old. That was 23 years ago. (Submitted by Andrea Minor)

But that's no more.

Last Wednesday, the iconic restaurantclosed its doors for good, primarily due to COVID-19.

"It's sad. It's really sad. They are wonderful people and the food is just absolutely amazing," Minor said.

Those people are owner Michael Bogale and his family.

"We called Marathon our first born," Bogale told the Calgary Eyeopeneron Tuesday.

The message posted on the now-shuttered Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant, announcing its doors are closed permanently. (David Bell/CBC)

"The biggest portion of our decision depended on the impact of the pandemic. Unfortunately, it is not doable, even to stay another couple of years, or even another year just to make it to the 25th anniversary. Unfortunately, we couldn't make it there."

When he locked the doors for the last time, Bogale said it was his children who helped him understand the loss.

"This is home more than the home we actually live in," his children told him.

"We just go to our actual home to sleep because we do everything in the restaurant studying for exams, diplomas, university."

An interior shot of the now-closed Calgary Ethiopian restaurant in Kensington. (Submitted by Michael Bogale)

Bogale said customers have taken to social media to express their disappointment.

"I have heard from some of my customers. We have seen birthdays, weddings, even funerals. Over the years, there have been so many feelings," he said.

Minor had her wedding reception there, she said, because the owners are so generous.

"During COVID, they were giving out free lunches to people in the neighbourhood to bring that sense of community together. That's what their family was about. They are going to be truly, truly missed," she said.

The Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant in northwest Calgary closed on Oct. 20, 2021, after 24 years in business. (Submitted by Michael Bogale)

Marathon opened in 1997. It was a review on the Calgary Eyeopener a year later that really put it on the map.

"We were named a good restaurant by John Gilchrist," Bogale said, becoming more animated.

"It was never the same after that. We just made a name out of it. It became an iconic figure."

Gilchrist, now a retired restaurant critic,had only good things to saywhen contacted Tuesday.

"It was always my favourite Ethiopian place, not just for the food but because of Michael and Mimi," he told CBC News in an email.

Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant owner Michael Bogale, second from left, flanked by his family: son Nahom Bogale, far left, son Endale Bogale, centre, daughter Eden Bogale and partner Mimi Bogale. (Submitted by Michael Bogale)

Bogale said his next chapter involves some work with Calgary Transit, and his partner Mimi, apassionate chef, is now sharing her love of Ethiopian food on YouTube.

"We just want to take it slow," Bogale saidregarding what's next.

"We will just go from there."


With files from the Calgary Eyeopener.