Winnipeg's Ellice Cafe closes its doors

An inner-citycafe opened by Winnipeg's late Rev. Harry Lehotsky meant to be an alcohol-free establishment has been forced to close its doors after seven years in business.

Ellice Cafe & Theatreclosed Friday after it was announced the venue could no longer afford the $5,000 a month to rent the space.

"This morning as I was getting ready, I had a few tears," said Virginia Lehotsky, who was married to the reverend. "Because you know, this was Harry's dream."

The long-time minister who died a few years ago had a vision for what Winnipeg could be and spent his life trying to help.

"The whole slogan, 'White collar, blue collar, no collar,' that was obviously evident," said Virginia. "I mean ,we had a lot of people from the community that came here on a pretty daily basis."

But she said the small 45-member congregation and the Lehotsky family could no long afford to keep the business.

"At the beginning ,our food costs and menu prices were a lot lower, and Harry was managing it so we didn't have to hire a manager," she said.

"We had some things donated so financially we were able to prop it up a bit. But that hasn't been the case over the last few years."

Nick Ternette, a community activist, said the cafe became a meeting place in the west end neighbourhood, that is often seen as a rough place.

"It says something about this neighbourhood and the maintenance of this neighbourhood," he said. "This is a place where a lot of people come here who are very poor."

Virginia said she still feels optimistic and hopes another group will move in the space that will do good things for the community.