Dharm Makwana

Abandoning Save-On-Meats isn't an option for 78-year-old Albert Des Lauriers.

The butcher shop's three-story neon sign punctuated by a flying pink pig continues to hum on Hastings Street despite Des Lauriers' intention to retire in March after running the store for more than 50 years.

The owner went as far as closing the meat counter and produce department but has struggled to find a buyer for the building who will keep Save-On-Meats as a grocery store.

"It's the same old story," he said. "Either they have experience but absolutely no capital or they have capital but no experience. What you need is somebody who has both."

What's slowing the sale, according to Des Lauriers, is construction on neighbouring Carrall Street, which has halted all delivery trucks from servicing the block.

"That killed it," Des Lauriers said of potential deals. "It's still killing it right now because I can't see anyone opening anything on this block that's retail oriented."

Des Lauriers continues to spend $5,000 a month to cover expenses such as taxes and insurance until the right candidate to purchase Save-On-Meats comes forward.

"I want to make whoever comes in here successful," he said. "I can't hide anything from them by saying everything is easy and everything is good. It's just not true."