Toronto’s iconic Randy’s Patties restaurant to shut down on Saturday
Posted February 24, 2022 5:21 pm.
Last Updated February 24, 2022 7:36 pm.
An iconic and beloved local restaurant in Toronto is permanently closing its doors on Saturday.
Randy’s Take Out, also known across the city as Randy’s Patties, announced its decision to permanently cease operations due to a barrage of issues, including struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Randy’s Take-Out Service Limited would like to confirm that we will be officially closing on Saturday, February 26, 2022,” the restaurant said in a post on Instagram.
“Due to a variety of issues, including years of endless Metrolinx construction, two years of COVID, labour shortages, and aging owners, we have decided to close our doors and re-evaluate our next steps going forward.”
A representative for Randy’s Take Out says the family business “is proud to have been a staple here, in the heart of Little Jamaica along Eglinton Ave. West, for over 40 years.”
“Thank you for all the incredible love and support. We are very thankful to be a part of this amazing community. Thank you for all the great years. Y’all amazing, and we’ll chat soon, [we] promise.”
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The announcement has garnered significant reaction from many across the city, including rap superstar and Toronto’s own, Drake, who commented on the Instagram post, writing, “I’ll buy Randy’s right now.”
Surely he could afford it, but it remains to be seen if Drake will come through.
Tyrone Edwards, co-host of CTV’s “eTalk,” commented: “See you soon.” Edwards, notably, is a partner in “Miss Likklemore’s” — a Caribbean food restaurant in Toronto’s downtown core.
Another person wrote: “Customer of 40 years here. Sad is an understatement. Hoping you come back stronger than ever.”
Randy’s Patties first opened in the city in 1979.
The famous Little Jamaica joint isn’t the only small business to suffer due to construction delays along the Eglinton Crosstown corridor.
Construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT began under the previous provincial Liberal government in 2011 and was supposed to be open by 2021 but is now expected to be completed in Sept. 2022.
