By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle

Two years after quietly opening on backroad in Osoyoos and building a loyal clientele,  the team behind Portuguese Canadian deli market Rooster Mafia Foods is calling it quits . . . for now.

In a post on local Facebook group Osoyoos Connect the duo of Jasmine and Marco Calisto gave an impassioned farewell that was clearly more até mais (see you soon) than adeus (good bye). 

Thanking their customers for their continued support as they “transition this spring and explore new adventures this summer” they announced that their 89th St. storefront is now closed.

“After an amazing two months off, a fun filled family long weekend, and a quiet two year anniversary, we’ve decided to close our storefront,” the Calistos wrote in their post.

Citing “the numbers” and what is best for their family they said the “math just isn’t mathing”. 

“With expenses and food costs at an all-time high, with more increases on the horizon, and the overall unpredictability of the economy, it just isn’t what’s best for our family,” they said.

While Rooster Mafia Foods will be closing its storefront location the Calistos say they are not closing their business and will be shifting into a “more mobile business model”. They go on to say that by reducing their overhead they hope to continue serving the Osoyoos foodie community.

Without tipping their hand they say this will be accomplished through local artisan markets, weekly winery services, private catering, and participating in exciting community events. 

But like adding a pinch of piri piri they spice up their post by saying “Marco has been offered other opportunities we just can’t ignore any longer”. Lovers of the Portuguese flavours of Rooster Mafia may however have to wait a little longer to find out exactly what the next instalment is.

“We appreciate your understanding and wholehearted support,” they write noting some of their most loved parts about Rooster Mafia, include supporting community events, catering local wineries, and sharing Portuguese foods and spicy flavours, while meeting amazing customers, neighbours and new found friends. 

“It wasn’t meant to be about sandwiches or charcuterie but about culture, family, community and Portuguese flavours at home. This has helped us realize our dreams can’t be contained to four walls and that anything is still possible. So we are taking this show on the road!” they said.

“Much love and peace out 89th Street. We’re happy to have made lasting memories through food in Osoyoos and excited to focus on our next adventure.”

The Calistos also highlighted that they want to honour the Rooster Mafia gift cards that haven’t been redeemed and anyone holding one can reach them at [email protected].