The Teatro Restaurant Group, headed up by Dario Berloni, first started changing the lives of Calgarians through culinary masterpieces back in the early 1990s. Located in the old Dominion Bank Heritage Building, Teatro has remained unique and unparalleled in the eyes of Calgary residents, mostly due to its timeless charm and unique character. Since then, the group has expanded to open six more restaurants. With each restaurant’s special feel, Teatro Group has worked to fulfill the needs of all Calgarians for many years through dining offerings and community outreach initiatives. Most recently, Teatro partnered with The Educational Partnership Foundation to host a culinary arts program for high school students who are interested in a career in the hospitality industry.
Most recently, Vendome has welcomed a new food and drink program to satisfy local residents and international visitors. Located in a 20th century heritage building, nestled in the heart of Sunnyside, the restaurant has undergone many changes over the years, from a true cafe to an established eatery. Vendome has adapted well to the changing needs of its Calgary community and loyal clientele, something that stems from Teatro Group’s commitment to community and excellence. When it closed down for a large renovation back in 2019, the idea was to give the restaurant a new and fresh look that aligned with the rest of the Teatro Group family of restaurants. Headed up by Chef Alejandro Buzzalino, the restaurant now boasts a mediterranean-inspired menu with fresh starters, shareables and mains. To accompany its new menu, the Teatro Group has curated an extensive beverage program that has Calgarians coming back for more, all-year round.
Holy Cow YYC is the Teatro Group’s newest addition that opened back in August 2020—an old-school donut and gelato shop located just next door to Vendome. This new locale brings a fun and fresh element to the group, appealing to the rising youth and nostalgic generations. This location is known for many of the most inventive gelato and donut flavours in Calgary, most notably, the everything bagel-inspired donut named “You’re My Everything”. On top of this savoury adventure, Holy Cow most recently introduced mouthwatering burgers, delicious hot dogs and crispy fries to their menu. Now, Calgarians can enjoy gelato, donuts and burgers all under one roof, all year round.
On June 4, 2021, Holy Cow celebrated National Donut Day with a “Good in the Hood” prize wheel that promoted offerings from a number of community members located in the Kensington and Sunnyside neighbourhoods. By the end of the day, Holy Cow had sold out of donuts and strengthened the local community by supporting neighbouring businesses. The Teatro Group is ready to keep the momentum going with many more fun events, including a summer rose event by the name of Rose Bebe All of these signal a move toward normalcy after a year of too few events, one that Calgarians have happily and cautiously embraced. After a trying and difficult year, the Teatro Group is illustrating that progress is possible with the existence of community.
