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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - After nearly five years in business, the Prince Edward Restaurant in Charlottetown has closed its doors for good.

Owner Paul Haddad said on Wednesday that the restaurant (located on the corner of University Avenue and Euston Street) closed at the end of July.

Haddad explained that it wasn’t a matter of the business failing. Rather, it was a personal decision he made to close. He also noted that there is a lot of competition in the restaurant industry in Charlottetown, including food trucks.

Haddad opened in October 2013. The restaurant replaced Relish Gourmet Burgers, and prior to that, the Seatreat Restaurant.

Haddad said several factors were involved in the decision to close the business, such as decreasing customer traffic.

“I’ve been going through this for the past couple of years. It’s not new,” he said. “I guess my pride and devotion kept me going.”

Other factors included repair issues with the property, as well as being in a month-to-month rental arrangement (as opposed to a lease), which didn’t encourage him to improve the property and plan for the future.

Haddad previously owned and operated Black and White Convenience Store on Hillsborough Street and, overall, has been in business, mainly the restaurant business, for 35 years.

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