Can you believe that it has been 30 years since Aldo Cogrossi, his brother Giorgio, and his parents moved to the Sunshine Coast and bought Ruby Lake Resort? A lot has changed since then, but not the bond of the family business, their commitment to the land, celebrating community, serving their guests, and providing delicious Italian food.
It was in December 1992 that Aldo joined some friends on a fishing trip to the Sunshine Coast from Milan, Italy. He fell in love with the area and noticed a restaurant and motel that was for sale. Immediately he became determined to find a way to move to Canada and buy this property.
In January 1993, speaking no English and with the help of a translator, he flew back to Canada and made his dream come true. The rest of his family joined him and by April of the same year, the motel and restaurant reopened.
It was a tough go in the early years. He was living his dream, but it required all his time and commitment to make it work. For approximately the first ten years the motel and restaurant remained open all year for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then things slowed down, which was a respite, until it was too slow and he wondered if they would make it. In 2015 the clientele picked back up, and in the last few years people have renewed their appreciation for the value of this pristine piece of land that the Cogrossi family has worked so hard to maintain. Be it first time guests or those that have returned every summer for over 25 years, Aldo and family are here to share this oasis with everyone.
A strong family and team are at the helm of their success. Paolo, one of Aldo’s sons, is his right-hand man in the kitchen. His mother Gabriella (82) is committed to doing the administration and bookkeeping. His father Antonio (86), whose nickname is “The Sheriff,” polices the parking lot and looks after the painted turtles. Brigit, Aldo’s wife, tends to the flower gardens, bakes for the restaurant, and teaches yoga on the lakeside platform, five times a week between June 2nd and September 2nd. Spots fill up quickly, so make sure to reserve ahead of time. Plus, there are 25 people on staff; many have been with him for years and are now like family. Ruby Lake Resort and La Trattoria Italiana have been important for the economy in the area and for community connection.
Aldo’s mission in life is to nurture the 80 acres of natural environment that Ruby Lake Resort sits on. Over the years he has extended the gardens until they supply upwards of 40% of the food that the restaurant serves. He tends to the land as he tends to life – with love and integrity. Aldo believes we are inexplicably entwined with nature, and we live in constant give and take between the two. He wants to make sure that he gives more than he takes, though. As each year passes, he falls deeper in love with the beauty and abundance of nature that surrounds us on the Sunshine Coast.
Over the years, Aldo has met thousands of amazing people. He loves the intimate conversations he squeezes into his busy workdays and the connection to those who enjoy and appreciate the land he fosters and the food he serves.
Another busy year, their weekends are often filled with weddings, space is limited for lodging, and reservations for the restaurant are strongly recommended. However, they still have other special events. Chefs in the Woods, their annual Chef Fundraiser with Culinary Team BC was held on July 16th. This event is always a great evening of scrumptious foods from different chefs, wine tastings, live music and dancing, all under the stars in the outdoor amphitheatre at Ruby Lake Resort. And it wouldn’t be special if there wasn’t a 30th Anniversary celebration, now, would it? On September 9th they will be hosting an Anniversary Party to celebrate the land, the people, and the family business.
When asked how he does it, Aldo chalks it up to love, drive, and teamwork.
Happy 30th Anniversary to Ruby Lake Resort, La Trattoria Italiana, and the Cogrossi family! May the next 30 years be just as exciting and fulfilling.
Cin cin!
