‘MARK WAS THAT GLUE’
Boscariol businesses bankrupt
Financial insolvency was cited as the reason for the abrupt closure of the three restaurants owned by late Windsor businessman and downtown booster Mark Boscariol.
In a short public statement issued on behalf of Boscariol’s family, the company that operated Good Neighbour in Walkerville and the Downtown Pizza Co. and Snackbar-B - Q in downtown Windsor was described as “insolvent.” “As is common in small businesses, the founder is the glue that keeps the business together through good times and tough times. Mark was that glue,” the statement reads.
“The timing of his sudden and tragic death could not have been worse for the three restaurants that have been pillars of their neighbourhoods.” According to the statement, the decision to shut down all three eateries was a difficult one, but “the most appropriate for the family at this time.”
The family expressed sympathy for all affected staff and community members, and also gratitude to Jim Renaud — Boscariol’s business partner — “for his strength and love throughout this difficult time for all concerned.” “The legacy of Mark as a community leader and business owner remains unchanged by this decision. It is a reminder, however, of the precariousness of life.” Family friend and spokeswoman Melinda Munro said the future of the restaurants is “unclear.” She said bankruptcy documents have been filed and a plan will emerge once that’s resolved. “Mark was doing all the work around responding to any issues and concerns around bringing in the revenue to balance out the expenses they had,” Munro said. “Insolvency is pretty much your expenses exceed your revenue. And most small businesses will find that happening from time to time and unfortunately it happened at a time when Mark then died.” She said the family issued the statement to keep the public informed about what was happening. They didn’t want people to “come up with ideas that weren’t true,” Munro said. Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association chairman Larry Horwitz said the closure of the three restaurants leaves a big hole in the community, but the loss of Boscariol has a more profound impact on the community.
“I think losing Mark leaves a bigger hole,” he said. “Because Mark was someone who would create new businesses and bring new ideas forward. He made downtown even better than it was.” Horwitz said operating a small business in today’s market is difficult as there are a lot of factors that come into play. He said businesses have to contend with high costs in utilities and taxes. “There’s a lot of expenses and it can be really difficult to survive.”
A passionate entrepreneur and activist for his city, Boscariol died suddenly on July 26 at the age of 51. The suspected cause of death was a heart attack.
He is survived by his wife Daena and his 13-year-old son Andreas.