Owners of popular Jasper deli aim to reopen after wildfire, but in Edmonton

A Community Rebuilds: The Journey of Patricia Street Deli After the Jasper Wildfires

The summer of 2023 brought devastating wildfires to the picturesque mountain town of Jasper, Alberta, forcing thousands to evacuate and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the businesses lost in the fires was the beloved Patricia Street Deli, a staple in the community for over 20 years. Owners Wendy and Glen Leitch, who had just celebrated their business’s anniversary in July, found themselves grappling with the emotional and financial aftermath of the disaster. Despite the challenges, the couple has decided to turn the page and embark on a new chapter by reopening their deli in Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city. “Financially, and emotionally, we need to do this,” Wendy shared, highlighting the necessity of this new venture.

A New Beginning in Edmonton: Rebuilding with Community Support

As Jasper slowly rebuilds, Wendy and Glen are taking a bold step to ensure their business survives. They have launched an online crowdfunding campaign to secure the funds needed to reopen in downtown Edmonton. The couple sees this as an opportunity to involve their loyal customers in the rebuilding process. “We’re inviting the people that love us to become part of the rebuild,” Wendy explained. “Because the deli doesn’t just belong to us, it belongs to a lot of people.” This sentiment reflects the deep connection the deli has with its patrons, many of whom have expressed excitement about its revival. Former employees have also reached out, eager to be part of the new chapter in Edmonton. The couple has already found a new location, which is five times larger than their original space in Jasper, offering room to expand their menu and services.

Keeping Traditions Alive: Reviving Memories and Recipes

Rebuilding the Patricia Street Deli would not have been possible without the foresight of the Leitch children, who had backed up the deli’s recipes and product photos on the cloud before the fire. Glen and Wendy lost everything, including a binder containing decades of recipes, in the blaze. “If it wasn’t for our kids, we would have lost all of that,” Glen said, emphasizing the importance of those saved memories. The couple is committed to preserving the deli’s traditions while introducing new ideas to their Edmonton location. Glen hopes to reopen by July 2024, just in time for the deli’s 21st anniversary. For now, the focus is on recreating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the deli a beloved destination in Jasper.

The Emotional Toll of Loss and Renewal

The journey ahead is not without its challenges, particularly on an emotional level. Glen and Wendy had initially planned to retire in Jasper, surrounded by the community they had served for so long. “A lot of people are asking, ‘When are you moving back?’” Glen shared. “We’re telling them, ‘We’re not moving back, but we may someday put a deli back in Jasper.’” While the couple is excited about their new venture, they acknowledge the grief of losing their home and business. “We’ve been on an adventure,” Wendy said, reflecting on the unexpected turn their lives have taken. The deli’s reopening in Edmonton represents not just a business decision but a way to heal and reconnect with their customers.

Looking Ahead: Reviving a Beloved Brand

Despite the distance—over 350 kilometers from its original location—the Patricia Street Deli aims to remain true to its roots. Glen believes the deli’s success has always been about more than just the food. “Before you even make a sandwich, it’s how you’re treated,” he said, recalling the loyal patrons who made the deli a part of their lives. The couple is proud of the brand they’ve built and is determined to recreate that magic in Edmonton. While the road to recovery has been long, the Leitch family remains optimistic, knowing that their deli has the power to bring people together once again.

Jasper’s Legacy Lives On: A Story of Resilience and Hope

Wendy and Glen Leitch’s decision to reopen in Edmonton is a testament to resilience and the enduring legacy of Jasper. “Jasper doesn’t belong to just the community of Jasper, it belongs to everybody,” Wendy said, capturing the broader impact of the wildfires. The Patricia Street Deli’s story is not just about a business reopening—it’s about the strength of a community and the power of hope in the face of loss. As the deli prepares to welcome customers in its new home, it carries with it the memories of a town that will always hold a special place in the hearts of its owners. The journey ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Patricia Street Deli will continue to be a symbol of connection, tradition, and renewal.