A locally owned store and eatery is shutting down for good, citing several factors including downtown issues for the decision to close.
Birch and Boar Charcuterie and Provisions, which operates on George Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue, posted the news to the company's Facebook page on Friday, July 12.
"Hello Prince George, it is with sadness and love that we write this post," the page reads. "Sadness because the dream has come to an end. Sadness that the hope of a revitalized vibrant safe downtown seems to becoming ever distant."
In the post, the owners cite rising costs and parking problems and other factors in the decision, noting that with "numerous break-ins and theft, putting out literal fires everyday against the building, the business has been stretched too thin."
The business's last day will be Aug. 2, with the shop closing at 3 p.m. "Our hours will remain the same, Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., until we close," states the Facebook post.
Birch and Boar was founded five years ago by four partners interested in charcuterie who wanted to sell local cured meat and other products. "After years of working on our craft we've decided to pursue our dream of selling the best local cured meat and local products we can find," reads the "about us" statement on the company website, www.birchandboar.com. The business offers food items and takeout meals, as well as catered charcuterie platters.
The owners thanked their loyal local customer base.
"The community of foodies and purveyors of charcuterie will always leave us with great memories," states the post. "Your support up until now has been amazing and we would love to go out with a bang so if you want to grab some last-minute stuff all our grocery items are half off. Our sandwiches will be running as usual so last time to grab some brisket."
The post notes the owners' appreciation for "regular customers, farmers, artisans, and lovers of local products. We’ll cherish these memories forever."
The business is connected to a local bakery. "Unfortunately, Wildbread bakehouse’ fate is intertwined with our own," states the post. "Wildbread sourdough bakery will be closing as well." Organic sourdough will be available Thursdays and Fridays until the closure.
Gift certificates should be redeemed before the closure, the company points out.
