![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Wilfreds-e1785422779369.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nImagine running a restaurant, going out of business, and seeing a city planner appearing to mock you on social media.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s what the co-owner of Wilfred\u2019s in Edmonton\u2019s Brewery District says happened, calling out the city planner\u2019s comment for its lack of awareness and empathy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first comment, I thought, was inappropriate,\u201d Marcus Purtzki told CityNews.<\/p>\n
The comment in question, from city planner Matt Goebel, was on a post about Wilfred\u2019s closure.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou guys are doing better advertising for closing than you did when you were open lol,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
Wilfred\u2019s social media person replied to Goebel\u2019s comment, asking for \u201csome compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Goebel replied: \u201cI think you\u2019ve had plenty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Purtzki feels the comment from a city employee confirms an existing narrative that the City of Edmonton doesn\u2019t \u201creally understand what\u2019s going on in the downtown core with construction and multiple projects.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re kind of tone deaf to what\u2019s going on, and that was a very tone-deaf remark that he made,\u201d Purtzki said.<\/p>\n
Wilfred\u2019s, which was on 121 Street NW, announced it was closing in an Instagram post on July 26.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for supporting us as a small restaurant and helping Wilfred\u2019s grow into something far more meaningful than we ever imagined,\u201d the brunch spot wrote at the time. \u201cThe connections we have made over the years created a true sense of community, and that is all thanks to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The closure came amid a wave of several downtown-area restaurants and businesses closing this summer. The owners of those businesses have pointed to construction, rising costs, and city policies as the reasons for their closure.<\/p>\n
CityNews called the Goebel to discuss his social media comment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI very much regret making the comment, and I will certainly not be making any comments on any social media going forward,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was a silly stupid mistake on my part. I don\u2019t know what more I can say.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shortly after the call, the comment was deleted.<\/p>\n
In a statement to CityNews, the City of Edmonton said its employees are \u201cexpected to maintain a high standard of personal conduct and professionalism, including in their use of social media.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe City of Edmonton takes allegations related to the Code of Conduct very seriously and conducts thorough investigations when necessary. Due to this being a personnel matter, we will not be providing further comment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city did say, in that same statement, it was an \u201cactive supporter of our local entrepreneurs and business owners.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that a strong business environment encourages economic growth and investment that is foundational to sustainability. We\u2019re working closely with business partners to provide additional support for existing businesses while focusing on efforts to attract new ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
Purtzki hopes the city and its employees will be more mindful of their comments and business owners\u2019 overall concerns.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like their management of the city, the leadership there, isn\u2019t there to navigate all of these little things like the restaurants and businesses that are operating,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tA sign inside Wilfred’s indicates the restaurant is permanently closed. (CityNews) <\/p>\n
\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n
Add CityNews Edmonton as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n
![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778178555_824_google-trusted-badge.png\"){kind=icon}