🔥 Trending Alberta Cafe Closes After Separatist Event Controversy

An Alberta café in Cold Lake, named Beantrees, closed its doors in late June 2026 after its owner, John Ewanek, reported a significant loss of customers following his decision to host events for a separatist group ⁴¹⁰.

Background of the Closure

Beantrees, a popular establishment in Cold Lake since 1999, was purchased by Ewanek in 2024 ⁴. Ewanek stated that his business was already facing difficulties due to inflation ²⁵. The situation worsened considerably after he hosted multiple events earlier in 2026 for "Stay Free Alberta," a group advocating for Alberta's independence from Canada and collecting signatures for a petition ²⁶⁷.

Impact of Hosting Separatist Events

Ewanek claims that his alignment with the Alberta separation movement led to a noticeable drop in customer traffic ⁸. The decision to host these events sparked strong opinions within the community, with some residents expressing that being a separatist in Cold Lake was not well-received ⁸. This backlash and subsequent loss of customers ultimately contributed to the café's closure ¹⁷.

Current Situation

Following the closure, Ewanek is now in the process of selling his assets to manage his financial situation ⁴. Elections Alberta recently announced that the petition by the "Stay Free Alberta" group was successful ⁴.

Legal Obligations for Employers During Closure

When a business like Beantrees closes suddenly in Alberta, employers have specific legal obligations to their employees. These include rules regarding notice pay and wage rights, which are crucial for ensuring employees receive their due entitlements in 2026 ³.