Chez Vito Closed or Open

[The Traveller]

Anyone know if if Vito's still operating. I've been calling all week, but there's no response.

[stevenmansour]

Had a conversation with Tino right before they closed - I lucked out by getting some steaks just before they close for a while.

This is one of their only vacation times so they shut down for three weeks or so.

[moh]

Sigh! I miss these guys already. It is such a pleasure to go to this shop, they really know what they are doing, they are very interested in selling you quality products, and they are very helpful when you need special items. Still, everyone needs a break! Hope they have a well-deserved happy holiday.

[moh]

Chez Vito the butcher on Fairmount and St. Viateur is closed until Aug. 12. No fresh lard until then.

[The Traveller]

Thanks for the responses. You'd figure he'd leave a message.

Is it normal in Montreal for retailers to close like this? What is generally the norm, so that I can anticipate in 2009. Whilst we're on the subject of "norms" - when does Christmas begin in Montreal? Example: London, UK - stay out of the city late November/December and order what you need early October.

[cherylmtl]

It's not unusual for businesses to close during the construction holidays. Many smaller businesses use this time to take vacations themselves. Also you may find that some businesses close over the Christmas/New Years period, or just after (some smaller restaurants, for example, close in January, once things are quieter). And it's likely if you go by Vito, there's probably a sign on the door indicating they are closed - but many businesses unfortunately do not leave this info on their answering machines.

Not sure what you're referring to regarding when Christmas begins - while decorations tend to go up just following Halloween (and don't get me started on that...), it's business as usual. Stores (especially food-related shops) tend to be busy the week prior to Christmas, IME.

[moh]

"stores (especially food-related shops) tend to be busy the week prior to Christmas, IME."

Yup, Christmas and New Year's is big time revenue period. Some of these places make all their profit in this period. Nearly every place I can think of is open right up to Christmas and through to the New Year. If they take a break it is in January.

[grillit]

There is a notice on Vito's door informing passers-by of their vacation period - and it's been there for quite sometime...

[grillit]

Chez Vito the butcher at Fairmount & St-Urbain is closed for vacation as of July 22nd - if that's the Chez Vito to which you're referring....

[amelie1980]

If you are referring to Chez Vito on Côte-des-Neiges (corner of Lacombe), it closed a few years ago. It is now Yakata, a Japanese restaurant.

[bomobob]

I suspect they're just closed for construction holiday. I had to call 3 places today for various things, and all were closed.