A local group is still fighting to re-open the Hoito after the pandemic bankrupted its former owners.

Paula Haapinen, Interim President of the Finlandia Co-operative of Thunder Bay, says they’ve continued fundraising for renovations the restaurant needs, but doesn’t think they’ll be open until Spring 2022.

“Well, first of all, COVID, that makes it a bit of a challenge. But the owner of the building is focusing on the upstairs part of the building, turning it into residential apartments and condominiums,” she explains, adding they also aren’t sure how receptive people will be to dining-in even once health regulations allow them to do so.

The group raised over $38,000 through a GoFundMe and individual donations from area businesses, before resuming fundraising in May by selling Hoito merchandise and Finn pancake mix. She estimates that boosted the total to around $45,000.

“Of course we were overwhelmingly and positively surprised with the uptake of the pancake mix,” she admits. “We sold about 3,000 bags in three weeks.”

Haapinen is not sure how much the renovations will cost.

“We’re getting back into discussions with the owner of the building to see how we can move forward on getting into the building and finding out about the renovations and what more needs to be done,” she says.

Looking ahead, she says they are preparing for a collaboration with Rose N Crantz Roasting Co., which they expect to unveil in June.