The first quarter of 2023 hasn't even ended, and several original-to-Okotoks businesses will be closing their doors. 

Rising prices, health and future opportunities all contributed to Little Fast and Fresh, Bistro 1882 as well as the Hidden Gem and Tipper Records locking up only a few months into the calendar year. 

Little Fast + Fresh opened in 2018 and made a name for themselves very quickly, including winning New Business of the Year at the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards.

They cited a number of factors for their closure, including the rising cost of utilities, food, and rent were among the reasons they cited, as well as Michelle's medical condition that emerged in November of 2021.

READ MORE: Closure of local restaurant sees outpouring of support for owners

 

Record lovers will have to travel a little further to feed their collection of wax with the news of Tipper Records packing up their crates of music. 

Located within the Hidden Gem, another shop closing its doors, Tipper Records will move its business to Calgary. It's not all bad news for locals however as Tipper Records will return occasionally with the mobile record store the Beatnik Bus. 

READ MORE: Tipper Records is closing its doors but not forever

 

Cemented in Okotoks history as the town's original post office, Bistro 1882 has been serving up culinary magic under a few different owners. 

After announcing its closure on social media and has since seen non-stop support. 

For owners Ed and Marcella, the list of reasons behind the decision to close is long. Much longer than he could fit in a social media post.

It's going to be a bittersweet goodbye for many locals, but for the Povhes, they know it's the right thing for them because they decided together.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bistro 1882 (@bistro1882)

READ MORE: Owners of beloved Bistro 1882 are ending things on their own terms