Restaurants still waiting to see if GST/HST holiday impacts business

Reviews are beginning to come in from customers and restaurants a few days into the federal government's GST/HST holiday.

Reviews are beginning to come in from customers and restaurants a few days into the federal government's GST/HST holiday.

The tax holiday is pausing taxes on most things you'd order in a restaurant. So far, it seems customers are happy to have the break, but businesses say they are still waiting to see if it will make a difference.

Picking up the tab, customer Steve Wood is happy to save on his $60 restaurant bill at Fratelli in Westboro.

"I think I saved like about seven or eight dollars," he said.

So, he ordered an extra drink. Still, the regular says the tax break is not the reason he's grabbing lunch today at the restaurant.

"I would say it's more of a happy coincidence," he said. "We've been enjoying our holiday parties with our friends. It's definitely nice for sure to have that extra taken off the bill."

The restaurant was busy on Friday at lunch, but owner Katie Valente thinks it's the typical holiday rush. She isn't sure it's directly related to the tax break but is hopeful for the coming weeks.