The Fogolar Furlan Club of Windsor plans to sell its longtime property on North Service Road, a beloved venue for weddings, concerts, banquets, and community events over decades.

Strategic Shift to Member-Centered Operations

This decision supports a transition toward a cultural club dedicated to Friulan and Italian heritage. Club President Larry Masotti highlighted key factors driving the change, including economic and geopolitical instability, lingering pandemic effects, evolving wedding trends, rising maintenance costs for an aging structure, and an older membership base.

“The market has changed, people are not going out as often … weddings that may have been 500 people a decade ago are now 100 and 120 people,” Masotti stated. “There’s been increased competition in the wedding market as well and the banquet market … [people are] not going out as much post-pandemic, and we’re seeing the ramifications of that.”

Club History and Legacy

Construction began in 1961, with the initial building completed in 1966. Expansions continued for nearly two decades, including the 350-capacity Canada and Friuli halls opened in 1981, followed by major renovations in 2002.

Future Programming and Commitments

Over the next two years, the club will prioritize cultural, social, educational, and youth activities. Offerings include heritage dinners, language and cooking classes, music and dance events, holiday celebrations, youth programs, student exchanges with Italy’s Friuli region, and stronger community partnerships. Its role as a banquet hall will diminish accordingly.

The club pledges to fulfill all existing bookings and contracts for the coming year, maintaining its renowned service and hospitality.

Members Express Mixed Emotions

Members shared bittersweet reactions to the news. Brian Zanier, head of arts at Assumption College Catholic High School, noted the venue’s role in school graduations, Mardi Gras events, and fundraising concerts.

“The students were very shocked and saddened to hear about the closing of the Fogolar,” Zanier said. “They have created many fond memories at the club and are sad to see it end.”

Zanier, a performer with wedding band Big Louie and the Band, added personal ties: “I have so many cherished memories of growing up at the Fogolar … My father would take me to work when we were young but we would always stop by at the club for a cold refreshing drink afterwards. … Not only did my parents have their wedding reception at the Fogolar; my wife and I did as well.”

Carlo Bertolissio recalled his father’s labor in building the facility: “Buildings were basically built by the members of the club … We’ve been very lucky in the club that we’ve had every single trade you can imagine … from laborers to brick layers to tile layers to paint or stuff. … Basically most of it was done just by feeding these guys.”

Bertolissio supports the board’s move amid current challenges but views the sale as “a sign of the times.” He reflected, “I go in there, there’s photos of all the people … I knew a lot of these guys … personally that were members of the club through the construction, right? … A lot of these guys are gone now.”

Masotti dismissed concerns about the club’s survival: “I don’t see that at all. I was so encouraged and so proud of the way the membership came together in making this vote … Essentially, 88 per cent of those that voted voted in favor of making this move because they want to reposition the club for the future.”