Difficult life decisions are hard to sum up in a quaint sentence or two. A simple uncomplicated explanation rarely feels right coming from me and in this case its neither practical or bearable. I am writing this in the way I would say it in person.
After months of arduous contemplation, personal scrutiny and a clear economic reality - my ability to successfully continue operating Piccolina Mercato & Bar in Wellington is no longer possible - I will have to close.
This is tremendously disappointing for me. After 10+ years of work in Wellington - from starting the baking program at the beloved Tall Poppy to my little food cart on the corner, then Enid Grace Cafe and my love letter to Italy with Piccolina - I have been honoured to be a member of the Village and am proud of the effort myself and my team have given all these years.
I love Wellington and I assure you although this chapter is closing, I am not leaving. I am staying close by - in Hillier - and will work towards something new for the community. Something more sustainable and balanced but still very much Enid Grace. https://www.enidgrace.com/
This past year has been strenuous. Economically it has been exceptionally difficult. The rising cost of everything from food ingredients, rent, paper products and shipping has been depleting. I had an early mission to ensure that the experience of Piccolina was accessible for everyone. I value my community first and wanted this very unique business to feel like a home for those that live here and support the Village year round. I wanted the experience to be affordable and approachable, not exclusive. I also wanted our visiting guests to be smitten with a unique business that reinforced that visiting Wellington and Hillier was indeed special - for myriad reasons. Making the economics work in this current climate would require two major changes: raising our prices even more and sacrificing our quality - both in product and service. Doing both would completely change the experience of Piccolina - it would no longer be what you have come to appreciate.
My incredible kitchen team and I make everything by hand - every day. It is a lot of labour. My brilliant service team prides itself on taking care of you and giving you the ideal Italian service - this is special.
I believe my team deserve to be paid well above minimum wage - and they are, because their efforts should be acknowledged and respected with each paycheque. My wish would be to pay them even more - but it’s not possible now.
I don’t want to have to start cutting corners or staff. Diminishing the caliber of our products, our consistency or the standards of our service is not a solution. The quality of our ingredients matter and the effort and skill that goes into making each pastry, bread, meatball, tiramisu and espresso matters. The exceptional increases in all costs has made continuing on with a small business with our approach economically impossible - the numbers no longer work without severe cuts to all of the above. If reputation is built and sustained on what your clients and community have come to depend on, then anything short of that is unacceptable. Furthermore, supporting my community with donations and fundraising efforts has been so important and I gave as much as I could each year - it was always a budget line. But this year we could only give half as much and that was heartbreaking.
Unfortunately despite the privilege I have experienced with a loyal and hard working staff - some of whom have been with me for 7+ years - the local labour market has added more impediments to maintaining a small business here. Simply, there are just not enough people available, willing or interested in working in this industry - regardless of the workplace culture or benefits. Adding to the difficulty is the lack of affordable housing for potential workers. Most of my current staff drive from outside the County. Several on my team are ready to pursue other options and others are moving away to places with more affordable living options. Each person lost is an intense blow to my business, both personally and practically - I can’t operate without staff.
My team is an absolute wonder - this includes current and former. I get very emotional when I think of the loyalty and work ethic from the women (and a couple fellas) that have stood by me, believed in me and found joy in their workday. I consider it a privilege to have worked with them all. Even when they move on, most stay a part of our family - its pretty rare to have former staff members adjust their schedules to help you out in a pinch - I have had that blessing more than once. So much of the gratification of running a business is the team. I assure you the responsibility, commitment and unrelenting stress of being a solo owner/operator without a business or financial parter is enormous - but having a team that lifts you each day, makes you smile when they walk in the door each morning is the antidote.
Being grateful alone does not nearly express my feelings for them all. I am lucky without doubt. I have watched 14 year old shy girls become brilliant confident young women who head off to college or new adventures with a sense of worth and ambition - I feel lucky to have played even the most minuscule part in that. The women who made career changes and joined me for a new experience; they found not only new skills but also support, friendship and compassion from the others around the kitchen table and behind the bar - again I feel so lucky to have been a part of that.
This community and our guests - the people we see each day and those only when in town - I am beyond appreciative for you support and enthusiasm. You kindness to me and my team is noted daily. Your messages, notes and reviews expressing your fondness for Piccolina have made the difficult days more bearable. We are always particularly grateful to those that engage us personally in the shop - we hope you have felt how happy your comments make us feel. It is my hope that I have been a good business steward for Wellington and that we as a team have contributed in a positive way to you and this community.
Prior to my mum’s passing this Spring, I sat with her in the hospital each day talking, asking her questions - fully aware of the limited time I had left with her. I wanted to tell her everything I still had left to accomplish - what I wanted my life to be after she was gone. I wanted her to continue to be proud of what I was doing - in whatever small way I was doing it. She couldn’t communicate much but she listened intently. The little bit she could communicate was this - “you have worked so hard for many years, harder than was needed at times. I am very proud of you but what would make me happier is if you would take better care of yourself - poor health will catch up and you may lose the chance to accomplish more.”
Running a business is hard - many of you will know this. The long hours, the stress, the limited amount of rest both physically and mentally does take a toll. My health has suffered and what I absolutely know for sure is that even if you have the support of staff, it is 100% your business and if you are not healthy your business will suffer. I am not 100% - and I need be. This past year has had a dramatic impact and much like the economic knock being critical component in this decision, so is my health. For everyone in my life that I love and for the plans I have for my business moving forward I need to take care - this is a priority and a necessity. Listen to your mum.
Although this is sad there is always optimism to be found. The space I have created on Main Street is lovely - a lot of work went into it and its ideal in many ways. A new business will bring their creative vision to life and have a positive impact on the community. Wellington is beautiful, the people are wonderful and Main Street needs to be protected with local business. If you are interested in information about the space please reach out via email - hello@enidgrace.com
I know there will be many questions and I will do my best to answer them, although at this time some details just can’t addressed. What I know for sure:
I am not leaving Prince Edward County.
I will continue to be an entrepreneur in this community (stay tuned - there will still be an Enid Grace).
I am disappointed and sad, but more so proud for what I have accomplished despite the set backs.
I am grateful, wholeheartedly, to you all.