After providing restaurant delivery service in the city since 1999, Dine-in Victoria will be closing at the end of business hours on Friday.
“We had a great run in Victoria and now it is time to step aside and leave delivery to the heavy hitters that have come to town,” a message sent to customers and clients reads
“We want to thank you for your support over the years and will greatly miss our loyal customers, staff, and restaurant partnerships.”
Owner Maggie Rideout admits it was a tough decision, but says the company had seen a noticeable decline in business since the arrival of big delivery companies such as Skip the Dishes.
“We’ve lost customers, there is no doubt,” she said. “We were trying to catch up but it was so overwhelming.”
Rideout says that when she bought the business in 1999, it employed just five drivers. At its peak in 2016 and 2017, she says there were 50 drivers providing deliveries from as many as 60 restaurants in the Greater Victoria region.
She says right now she has roughly 30 drivers, most working to supplement their incomes, and office staff.
“Its hard, my staff are devastated, the drivers are devastated, we’re like a family,” she said.
“Customers are upset, its a local company, they love our service.”
Rideout, a single mom, says she leaves with great memories and no regrets.
“My kids learned a lot from watching me do this,” she said.
Dine-in Victoria will offer its usual service from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday and then turn off the lights for good.
CHEK News
