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.
Shift to Member-Centered Cultural Focus
This sale supports a strategic transition to a member-focused club dedicated to Friulan and Italian heritage. Club President Larry Masotti highlights economic and geopolitical instability, lingering pandemic effects, evolving wedding trends, rising maintenance costs for the aging structure, and an older membership base as key factors in the decision.
“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 states. “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 Future Outlook
The club broke ground on the facility in 1961, completing the initial structure in 1966. It expanded with the 350-capacity Canada and Friuli halls in 1981 and underwent major renovations in 2002.
Masotti dismisses 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,” he says. “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.”
Over the next two years, the organization prioritizes cultural, social, educational, and youth programs, including heritage dinners, language and cooking classes, music and dance events, holiday celebrations, youth initiatives, student exchanges with Italy’s Friuli region, and stronger community partnerships. Its role as a banquet hall will diminish accordingly.
The club commits to honoring all existing bookings and contracts for the next year, maintaining its renowned service, professionalism, and hospitality.
Members Express Sadness Over Change
Local members voice disappointment at the news. Brian Zanier, head of arts at Assumption College Catholic High School and performer with wedding band Big Louie and the Band, notes the school’s long ties, including graduations, Mardi Gras dinners, and Tunes on the Patio fundraisers.
“The students were very shocked and saddened to hear about the closing of the Fogolar,” Zanier shares. “They have created many fond memories at the club and are sad to see it end.”
Zanier adds personal nostalgia: “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 recalls his father’s labor in constructing the building alongside fellow members. “Buildings were basically built by the members of the club,” he explains. “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 backs the board’s choice despite the challenges. “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, you know?” he reflects, calling it a “sign of the times.”
