Captain John’s up for sale
Posted March 12, 2012 7:08 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Captain John’s, the famous restaurant on a boat has been docked at the foot of Yonge Street since 1975, is still up for sale, and the asking price has dropped.
Owner John Lutnik is 73, and said it’s time to let a younger person take the helm. He’s not sure what’s next for the Toronto icon, but said he didn’t always plan to use it as a restaurant.
“Back in the ‘80s I worked with the University of Toronto College of Art and they produced a nice design that allowed for entertainment and a small motel. Or perhaps Toronto is ready for a floating casino,” Lutnik said.
The boat has three separate dining rooms, the largest of which can hold 250 people, and there’s an open deck. Only half the boat is currently in use, so there’s lots of potential for expansion, Lutnik said.
However, if you’re looking to set sail, this is not the vessel for you: all connections from the bridge to the engine room have been severed, and the boat must be towed.
The boat was first put on the market in early 2010.
Currently, Lutnik lives on the boat – his luxury suite includes skylights and Jacuzzi – but he does plan to move once Captain John’s is sold. He will be staying in Toronto once the ship is sold and has offered to help the new owners acclimatize to life on board.
“This ship is part of my life, my business, and my profession. When the ship is sold I’ll stay in Toronto. Toronto is my home.”
