According to one Stratford restauranteur, the strike will likely begin to hurt at least some of the stock his eatery normally offers customers.
Pazzo was able to stock up just before the strike but owner Larry McCabe said this week will in all likelihood paint a picture of how he and his fellow dining establishments are short-changed on stock. He added no retail stores are open and the LCBO’s online ordering portal isn’t functioning properly, adding to his stress.
“I suspect this week is when the rubber hit the road. There are key products we haven’t been able to access and we are getting bogged down in the queue at this point. We hadn’t used it to any great degree prior to the strike happening.”
Among the products Pazzo is having trouble ordering is Campari, an Italian liqueur, and certain wines ordered through consignment agents are being delayed. McCabe said due to his extensive wine list, it creates a problem.
“It will become a game of what do we have and what does our menu say. It’s not a great look for us in peak season which is about to start next week. We need this to function properly and create a good experience for our guests.”
McCabe believes the monopoly that is the LCBO needs to be brought into the 21st century when it comes to selection, convenience and availability.
“From our perspective, we would have liked the same opportunity unfolded in British Columbia where licensees were given a discount so they could compete in that market. My disappointment is the fact we could have some really good wine stores.”
He added putting booze in convenience and big box stores benefits larger companies only while the struggling companies are the small independents who could use some consideration to increase sales.
On a positive note, McCabe said they are able to order wine from Niagara and other Ontario markets to supplement their supply.
“They pay an LCBO fee and that is quite onerous for them. It is good for the wineries who have the product to sell and I am happy to see them get a broader exposure. We have some great products from Niagara this year we are happy with and so are the customers.”
He added the silver lining during the strike is the smaller Ontario wineries and producers get more exposure. McCabe is hopeful the strike will be over soon for everyone’s benefit.
“It is becoming difficult to meet the expectations of the travelling public at the height of the season. A lot of Americans are coming back for the first time and we should be giving them the best of what we do. If the tap runs dry in some way, it will have a very large impact.”
