Long-running North Toronto eatery South China Old School Chinese has closed its doors after 65 years in business. The restaurant, known for its wide menu of North American Cantonese food favourites like General Tao Chicken and Chow Mein, was a mainstay in the Davisville Village community. A decade ago, there was some trouble with the city’s health department, prompting owner Ken to renovate the entire space with brand new appliances and enhanced cleaning protocols.
In a handwritten sign taped to its door at 513 Mount Pleasant Rd. earlier this week, Ken and the South China Old School team thanked its customers writing, “After over 65 years we have decided to close our doors to start our next chapter. Thank you to all our loyal customers for supporting us through the years.” It’s not clear yet whether this closure is making room for a new culinary venture, or if Ken and team are pursuing something beyond the food industry.
This closure comes alongside another Toronto institution shuttered its doors earlier this week. Randy’s Patties is among the restaurants closing its doors permanently after 40 years of business, prompting Drake himself to offer to buy the place on Instagram. But, nothing came of the deal, and Randy’s Patties announced on Instagram that their 40-year run on Eglinton West would come to an end. To bid Randy adieu, patrons lined up down the street to get one last taste of Randy’s Jamaican patties.
Toronto restaurants seem to be closing increasingly often in the wake of the pandemic, leaving locals upset and searching for new places to satisfy their cravings. Sadly, South China Old School Chinese is the latest casualty.