The closure of the Transit Smokehouse and BBQ, housed within the historic Transit Hotel in Edmonton, has sparked concerns about the viability of local businesses and the future of the surrounding community. Established in 1908, the hotel has witnessed significant changes over the past century, but the pandemic and various operational hurdles ultimately led to the demise of the restaurant that aimed to rejuvenate the area.
A Promising Start Derailed by Challenges
In 2019, Ray Pritlove and his business partner signed a 20-year lease for the Transit Hotel, with aspirations of transforming it into a vibrant dining destination. Their vision was to breathe new life into the 120-year-old building, located on Fort Road, but their journey was fraught with difficulties.
Pritlove, an experienced restaurateur, acknowledged the inherent challenges of the industry, stating, “The restaurant industry itself is one of the hardest to operate. I have been doing it all my life — I knew what I was getting myself into — but I never expected what happened.”
The ambitious project faced a significant setback even before its doors opened, encountering a protracted 10-month wait for the requisite permits to install a smoker. When the smokehouse finally commenced operations in 2021, it was met with the additional burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by disruptive roadworks on Fort Road, which further hindered accessibility.
Economic Pressures Compounding Difficulties
In addition to the logistical challenges, the economic landscape in Canada has shifted dramatically in recent years. Pritlove noted a sharp increase in the cost of key ingredients, particularly beef, coinciding with the country experiencing its highest inflation rates since 1991. “It was one catastrophe after another,” he lamented, reflecting on the mounting pressures the restaurant faced.
Despite their resilience, Pritlove admitted, “We held on to it longer than we should have — we probably should have shut down in December.” The closure of Transit Smokehouse is not just a personal loss for the owners but a significant blow to the local community that had hoped for revitalisation through this new venture.
The Impact on the Community
Historically, the Fort Road area, once known as Packingtown, was a bustling hub centred around the meat-packing industry. After amalgamation with the City of Edmonton in 1913, it evolved into an industrial centre. However, as urban development progressed, the community struggled to keep pace, leading to a decline in its vibrancy.
Mayor Andrew Knack expressed sadness over the closure, stating, “It’s hard. I’ve been there; they had such an amazing community.” The Transit Smokehouse was envisioned as a catalyst for broader redevelopment efforts, and its loss raises questions about the future of the area.
Knack emphasised the need for a comprehensive revitalisation strategy, suggesting a “broader ‘main street’ plan” to enhance cleanliness and improve the overall aesthetic of the neighbourhood. “I would hope that building could find a new life in the future,” he added, highlighting the importance of preserving the historic Transit Hotel for future generations.
New Beginnings Amidst Setbacks
While the Transit Smokehouse has closed its doors, Pritlove remains optimistic about his culinary aspirations. He has teamed up with Rahim Jaffer, proprietor of Rooster Kitchen and Cafe on Whyte Avenue, to merge their operations under the new name, Midnite Rooster. This collaboration aims to extend the restaurant’s hours and diversify the menu, adapting to the changing landscape while maintaining the spirit of BBQ dining.
Pritlove expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “We are bringing that same stuff here. We have to alter the menu a little bit because the kitchen is a different layout, and we are pretty excited about it.” As the current owners of the Transit Hotel seek to sell the building, there remains hope that the historic site will continue to play a role in the community, albeit in a new capacity.
Why it Matters
The closure of the Transit Smokehouse and BBQ signifies more than just the end of a restaurant; it underscores the myriad challenges local businesses face in an evolving economic landscape. As inflation rises and consumer habits shift, the resilience of communities like Fort Road is tested. The response from local leaders and business owners will be crucial in determining how the area adapts and thrives in the future. Preserving the rich history of places like the Transit Hotel while fostering new opportunities will be key to revitalising Edmonton’s diverse neighbourhoods.
