People searching for a great Italian restaurant in downtown Fort McMurray now have someplace new to visit since the opening of Asti Trattoria Italiana. Owned by Karen Collins the Italian eatery has a relaxed atmosphere and reviews of the food have all been enthusiastic and positive. Asti has replaced the more upscale Italian eatery Ristorante Cosa Nostra which closed, and the new place is located in the same location as the previous restaurant. Giovanni Poggio is head chef at Asti Trattoria Italiana, and Collins retained all of the staff from the former eatery although the space was reorganized. Members of the staff reside in Fort McMurray and the eatery could bring in much needed revenue to the downtown Fort McMurray area. In the initial days following the opening of the new Italian restaurant things were slow but business has picked up as more people realize that Asti Trattoria Italiana is in business.

When Collins was interviewed about opening Asti Trattoria Italiana in downtown Fort McMurray she discussed the expense, effort, and slow business in the beginning. Collins said “This was sort of a soft opening. I’m not too upset if we’re not busy. A lot of people have said it’s nice to see more of a relaxed atmosphere. Even the staff feels the difference, there’s a lot more laughter. If we get 30 to 40 customers a night, I’d be happy. We’ve done cost analysis. The lower prices should increase sales, whereas under Cosa Nosta prices were high, but the sales were low. And we’re trying some new concepts. It’s also available if a group comes in at night and they want to have family style platters, we can do that for them.”