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. โListen, Iโm there, I have multiple businesses on the street, I understand. Iโve been there way back since there was nothing there,โ said Madi. โBut thatโs what naturally happens, you know, neighbourhoods get popular, more money, itโs the natural progression.โ
Portland Variety is just one of many Toronto restaurants that have recently closed or announced their upcoming closure. Harryโs Charbroiled is scheduled to close on Oct. 5 in Parkdale. Camarraโs Pizza and Gerrard Pizza have also both closed after decades-long runs. Fredโs 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 Joeโs franchise would be taking over, saying, โWhat? Shoeless Joeโs? 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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