portland variety

Portland Variety slated to close on King West

The popular brunch spot will shut its doors at the end of the month

Portland Variety, a staple of King West since 2014, will be closing at the end of the month. Ralf Madi, the co-owner, attributes the closure to a combination of factors.

One is the passing of his business partner, Milton Nunes, this past April. Another factor is the rapidly rising rents in the area. โ€œListen, Iโ€™m there, I have multiple businesses on the street, I understand. Iโ€™ve been there way back since there was nothing there,โ€ said Madi. โ€œBut thatโ€™s what naturally happens, you know, neighbourhoods get popular, more money, itโ€™s the natural progression.โ€

Portland Variety is just one of many Toronto restaurants that have recently closed or announced their upcoming closure. Harryโ€™s Charbroiled is scheduled to close on Oct. 5 in Parkdale. Camarraโ€™s Pizza and Gerrard Pizza have also both closed after decades-long runs. Fredโ€™s Not Here and the Red Tomato were also forced to closed down due to an incoming condo development.

Madi denied the rumours that had been circulating that a Shoeless Joeโ€™s franchise would be taking over, saying, โ€œWhat? Shoeless Joeโ€™s? No, That would be the worst.โ€ However, Madi did hint that other Toronto-based business owners would be taking over the location.

Madi owns several other businesses in the area, including Petty Cash, the Everleigh, and Hammam’s Spa, none of which he expects to close in the near future.

Portland Variety will close for good Sept. 28.

 

 

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