Ali Naser’s Pizza is closing next month as its location undergoes a major makeover.
The Commercial Street restaurant is closing from Jan. 1 to March 1 and will re-open with new walls, floors, an air exchange unit to help keep the kitchens cooler, windows and washrooms. The building it is in will receive a new foundation and upstairs floors are being converted into offices.
“We have a lot of different feelings really, it will be a good little break because he goes in six days a week, seven even,” said Naser’s girlfriend Nadia Jardine, who spoke on his behalf due to his busy schedule. “He goes on Sundays to prep and clean the ovens.”
The couple plan to spend a week in Cuba during their time off, a much-needed break for both. While Naser works at his restaurant for up to 14 hours a day, Jardine is a driver for Canada Post.
Outside work, Jardine has four daughters and one grandchild, while Naser has one daughter of his own.
Having originally come to Canada from Bahrain, Naser has done quite well for himself over the years, according to his girlfriend.
“He’s a very good businessman, he knows what’s going on all the time, he’s very smart that way, personally – I couldn’t do it if it wasn’t for him,” said Jardine. “He gets it done and it’s stressful, but he enjoys it and it comes from the heart.”
The building renovations are part of a larger plan called The Common Works, which will see the Commercial Street strip where Ali Naser’s Pizza is located being spruced up.
Jardine said the restaurant is in a heritage building that needs work – and their spot is the first to undergo renovations.
On their behalf, Jardine thanked Ali Naser’s Pizza’s customers for their ongoing support as Jan. 1 looms.