Another Kelowna company is closing its doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restarting – A collaborative kitchen announced it had shut down all business operations on Thursday (May 13), a year after the owners decided to spin around and adapt to the changing times.
When the COVID-19 restrictions were first lifted in March 2020, Start Fresh announced it would offer online cooking classes to help people eat well while staying at home.
But the ongoing restrictions became too great and Start Fresh buckled. The catering company tried to adapt to take-away options and introduce food delivery options, but to no avail.
“It is with great sadness that we would like to let you all know that Start Fresh Kitchen will be permanently closed from today (May 13th),” said the employees on social media.
“Like so many companies last year, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Start Fresh hard.
“The reality, however, is that Start Fresh cannot stay in business without the assurance that our social world will return to normal. That was not to be expected at all. “
In an emotional tribute to four years of running the kitchen, founder Michael Buffett said they did their best by helping other local businesses as well, but they were just too overwhelmed.
“Indeed, in early 2020, Start Fresh was on track to have its best year ever,” he said.
“Our social and environmental impact was both significant and measurable, and we were on track to double our revenues from previous years.
“Although things have changed quickly and our business efforts have been overwhelmed by one of the most disastrous events of the 21st century, we at Start Fresh are still very proud of what we have achieved.”
READ MORE: Friends and family gather to replace the Kelowna man’s broken electric tricycle
@ Twilamam
twila.amato@blackpress.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
