The sun is literally and figuratively setting on a landmark Caribbean restaurant in Toronto after the The Real Jerk closes at its current location of Queen and Broadview at the end of January.
The restaurant, which spent two decades at their current location, is easily seen with the large smiling sun on its outer wall and has fed locals and stars alike, including Michael Jackson, Wesley Snipes, LL Cool J, Serena Williams and Jack Layton.
They are closing their doors after a new owner purchased the building.
"We would have hoped to stay longer, long enough for us to secure a new location but this will not be feasible," said Edward Pottinger, who co-owns the restaurant, to CBC News. "While we fight the unfair order we sadly must prepare for the real possibility that our days are numbered at the corner of Queen and Broadview."
It is a reality that the building's new owner said they should have known to prepare for.
"My motive wasn't to be hard on the Jerk," said Bill Mandelbaum, president of Buckingham Properties, who spoke exclusively to Yahoo! Canada News. "The negotiations had gone on for a longtime...Their landlord should have kept them in the loop."
Mandelbaum said the previous owner had entertained several offers over the past year and the Real Jerk didn't have a lease.
However, the news is still upsetting to regulars.
"I'm going to miss it," said area resident Malcolm to CityTV. "I've eaten my way through the menu about 10 times over since moving down here 10 years ago. There's change, but change doesn't improve a neighbourhood.
Residents may not like situation, but the Real Jerk has moved before. They originally opened at Queen and Greenwood in 1984 and moved to their current location in 1989.
The Real Jerk isn't the first institution of a restaurant along Queen Street to announce a move. This past summer, Licks posted signs on their Queen Street storefront that Developers will knock down the building to put up a 29-unit condo. Licks plans to stay in the neighbourhood.
As for the future of the Queen and Broadview corner, Mandelbaum said it will be redeveloped with mixed-use properties although he could not give any time frame for when it may begin.
"A combo retail and residential is what is being tossed around...Any development will be neighbourhood friendly and be in the character of the area," said Mandelbaum. "The area is getting revitalized into nice condos, residential properties and new restaurants so it is exciting to know something will be happening."
The Real Jerk will shut up shop at the end of the month, but they plan to continue running their catering business while looking for a new location.
"We are looking forward to being part of a new community," said longtime manager Natalie Williams to CityTV. "But with the memories we have here it's going to be very sad."
(Yahoo! Canada News photo)
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