St. Ann's Lobster Suppers closing

One of Prince Edward Island's longest running lobster suppers is closing.

St Ann's Lobster Suppers has been run by St. Ann's Parish since 1964.

The announcement of the closure was posted on the Lobster Suppers' Facebook page a few days ago.

The suppers were run by parishioners of the church to help raise money for church building maintenance and for events and programs within the parish and the community.

The chair of the property and finance committee for St. Ann's Parish, Paula Gauthier, said the lobster suppers have been losing money for the last three years.

"The bottom line is getting more difficult to maintain," said Gauthier. "And I think with costs ... food has gone up and our numbers were dropping." 

She said location was part of the problem too. "We are sort of off the beaten track if you will. And it was just getting harder. And there are more restaurants and more competition around for business."

2014 marked the 50th year for St. Ann's Lobster Suppers.

Gauthier said the decision to close after all these years, was a difficult one.

She said about 35 people worked at the lobster suppers. She noted employees were notified a few months ago, so they would have an opportunity to find other work.

Don Cudmore, the executive director of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I., said it's unfortunate news and a loss for the industry. Cudmore agrees, however, that there is a lot of competition on the Island these days for lobster supper dollars.