The Real McCoy set to reopen at original Scarborough location in January

What was to have been a bittersweet Christmas Eve for a popular Scarborough hamburger joint may end up being a Christmas miracle for owners and devoted customers alike.

After offering up what was to have been its final meal service on Friday, CityNews has learned that The Real McCoy is hoping to reopen its doors in the New Year.

Lydia Pilch, principal lawyer of the business law firm Rgenesis Legal, tells CityNews she has been retained by the restaurant’s owners to review their lease agreement and determine if their termination was valid.

“I’ve concluded that based on my review, it is not and it was done improperly,” she said. “Our position currently is that George isn’t going anywhere. …They don’t have to go anywhere until the end of March 2024.”

Mihail says he’s grateful for all the customers who’ve supported the restaurant over the last five decades and he’s looking forward to welcoming everyone back in the New Year.

“It’s not fair,” says Mihail. “I didn’t know what was going on, I just accepted that we’re gone, that was it.”

In November, owner George Mihail informed customers the the beloved burger and pizza staple would be closing its doors to make way for a 38-storey condo on the site of the Brimorton Plaza that has been home for the last 53-years. Mihail told CityNews at that time he was hoping to reopen at another location in Scarborough, somewhere that was affordable and had parking for takeout customers and for food delivery drivers.

On Friday, hundreds of devoted customers braved bitter cold temperatures and snow for one last meal and to share fond memories with Mihail and his staff.