‘We're always bracing:' Growing anxiety among restaurants as tariff deadline looms

CTV News

2 days ago

As Friday's U.S. tariff deadline looms, many in the restaurant industry are left with uncertainty about what it means for their business.
Costa Elles, the owner of Ela Greek Taverna, says the last few months have been a whirlwind.
'We're always bracing. It's obviously been a very tough time for the restaurant industry for the last five plus years. So, this is just another thing to worry about,' says Elles.
He says his restaurant has already seen supply costs spike by five to 10 per cent.
'The main issue we are facing is always the pricing. You don't know whether something is going to come in under $40 a case or $80 a case,' says Elles. 'Having to reprint menus… a cost of $5,000 every time you do that.'
It's a reality he says leaves him with a unique challenge.
'Not only do we face a price increase in the products that we buy in the raw materials, we now have to look at our employees and give them a little bonus as well, because they themselves are facing tough times when they go to the stores,' says Elles.
'So that uncertainty is really causing us to have some sleepless nights.'
With the looming tariff deadline, Restaurants Canada says hope is running thin for those in the food sector.
'Until we know for sure if there's going to be a delay again, the anxiety remains in the air because indeed, if there are tariffs on both sides of the border on these products, it will be felt across the board,' says Janick Cormier, Restaurants Canada's Atlantic vice-president.
In an industry that relies on planning and stocking products ahead of time, restaurants are now left watching from the sidelines, as another wave of uncertainty unfolds.
'Stability is really important for us. Whether it's going to come on Friday, whether its going to be extended... you know we're bracing for that,' says Elles.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page