A large restaurant group in Vancouver has decided to temporarily close all of its dining establishments in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

Toptable Group, the parent company of several award-winning restaurants in the city has announced on its social media platforms it will close all seven of its locations beginning today. 

This includes local spots in Vancouver (Blue Water Cafe, CinCin, Elisa, Thierry), and restaurants in other regions like Whistler (Araxi, Bar Oso, Il Caminetto), and New York City (Oceans). 

Toptable Group’s president Michael Doyle said in an online statement that it’s a critical time in the world, and they are doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

The temporary closure of all of Toptable Group’s brick-and-mortar locations was announced the same day that Vancouver mayor Kennedy Stewart asked residents to not frequent restaurants and bars if they cannot maintain a safe social distance of at least one-meter. 

Downtown’s upscale Italian eatery, Giardino, was one of the first establishments to close temporarily in the wake of COVID-19. Many other Vancouver restaurants have followed suit, and announced its short-term closures on social media.

Here’s Doyle’s full statement posted on all of Toptable Group’s social media platforms:

“To our valued guests and community, 

This is a critical time in the world and we must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning today, we have decided to temporarily close the doors of all Toptable Group restaurants in Vancouver, Whistler and New York City.

We are honoured to be the place of choice for so many memorable moments, and in these uncertain times, we’re working to explore new ways to provide our hospitality in a safe way for everyone. 

We wish you all good health and safety and let’s work together to protect and care for one another.”