Whyte Avenue businesses struggling with high costs, few customers

When Roy Sassine started La Shish on Whyte Avenue two years ago, he thought the Lebanese restaurant had the recipe for success.

But now, hes joined a growing number of Old Strathconarestaurants and club owners whosay the location is no longer as attractive as it used to be.

The city is focusing a lot on the downtown core and were kind of getting neglected here, Sassine said.

The owner of La Shishsaid the city hasnt provided the services that business like his need to survive street-cleaning and parking are lacking in his area of the avenue. He argues that Whyte Avenue has become less attractive to customers, but that landlords and the city are still charging for prime business real estate.

Honestly, we can't keep up with expenses right now, lease is so expensive, property taxes have jumped up by ten thousand dollars, he said.

Guess who is going to pay for that hike? Us.

He said that while there have been some overtures made by the city to draw customers to the area space for patios, improvements for pedestrians and other ideas they all come with a hefty price tag of higher property taxes.

Everything, everything, everything is so pricey, he said.

Sassinerecently put La Shish up for sale. Hes not alone;at least four other businesses nearby are listed as looking for new owners. One is the Pourhouse Gastro Pub, next door to La Shish, while three others are nightclubs DV8, the Pawnshop and Mixx Party Bar.

Its a trend that has long worried the executive director of the Old Strathcona Business Association. Murray Davidson said he has heard from many businesses who no longer feel they can be successful on Whyte Avenue.

Weve had it good here for so long. And now you have to hustle, he said.

He echoes Sasaines feelings that the city has neglected Whyte Avenue in favour of growing other business districts in the city, like downtown.

He said Old Strathcona needs better infrastructure and services if many businesses are going to survive.

"In general, the lights being on we dont get the taxi service we need, he said.

Were just hoping the city will step up."

Not every business is struggling on Whyte Avenue. Murray said many are thriving, while the others are barely able to keep the lights on. In many ways, the area has become a victim of its own success long a popular place with shoppers, landlords have become accustomed to being able to charge high rents.

But Davidson said if the area doesnt get more support soon, still-rising costs and a flagging economy could see more For Sale signs in Whyte Avenue windows.

Sassine, who had high hopes when he came to Whyte Avenue, now warns others restaurant owners from trying their luck along the street.

Its got a cool vibe but were not getting enough support.