'It's angering': Victoria restaurants claim food delivery service owes them thousands
Several Victoria restaurants that were hoping to support a local delivery service say they're out thousands of dollars since the company has failed to pay them.
Clif Lier, owner of Fol Epi in downtown Victoria, says the financial challenges of running a restaurant have compounded recently, and he claims that he's owed thousands of dollars from local food delivery company Tutti.
The restaurant owner says he turned to Tutti and its food delivery app during the pandemic because it offered cheaper prices than large corporations – like DoorDash and Uber Eats – and because he wanted to support another local company.
"We are strong supporters of local business and local producers," he told CTV News on Thursday.
But, he says things went sour several months ago when he discovered that Tutti owed him thousands of dollars.
"It's angering," he said. "We worked so hard to make this money over the past few months."
Fol Epi owner Clif Lier is pictured. (CTV News)
Leir says the company still owes him about $4,000, despite multiple requests from him.
"That's $4,000 from our bottom line, and bottom lines these days are almost nothing. So it's very hard," he said.
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN CLAIMS
Fol Epi isn't the only business that claims it's owed money from Tutti.
J & J Wonton Noodle House in Victoria has launched a lawsuit against the company, alleging that Tutti breached its contract and owes it more than $200,000.
Meanwhile, Cold Comfort Ice Cream owner Autum Maxell says she's also owed more than $4,000 from the delivery company, despite multiple requests to collect the payment.
"[About] $4,236 dollars or something like that," she said.
Maxwell went public with her concerns on a Facebook page that quickly generated multiple complaints – including one from a Tutti delivery driver who told CTV News that she wasn't paid until she threatened to go public.
Cold Comfort Ice Cream in Victoria is pictured. (CTV News)
The company says it's working on paying all of the restaurants it works with.
"Please know that we have every intention to pay all the local merchants we are working with, as soon as possible," said Tutti Delivery CEO Kaisa Aierken in a statement Thursday.
"We are going through a difficult phase as well and we intend to solve it soon and get back the support of our merchants as soon as possible."
In the meantime, Maxwell says she's skeptical of the promise.
"If they actually had intentions of paying everyone back, it probably would have been happening," she said.
The restaurants that spoke with CTV News on Thursday no longer use Tutti, instead relying on bigger delivery companies.
None of the allegations have been tested or proven in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.