CLOSURE: Diners shocked as 3 restaurants in one Toronto neighbourhood announce they’re closing

It was a difficult week for restaurants–and restaurant lovers–in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood, as three hotspots announced they are closed or closing. 

Over the past few days, restaurants serving Mexican, Italian and French food on the slightly quieter portion of Queen Street have announced that their time in the neighbourhood has come to an end.

Greto Solomon’s, a popular and picturesque French resto known for its glittery lights and cozy, elegant back patio, announced that its doors will close on March 15 after nine years in business. 

“After nine years the time has come to wish Greta Solomon’s a beautiful goodbye,” operators wrote on social media. 

“What an absolute glorious and crazy time it has been. Just shy of a decade, a lifetime for a restaurant. We are so proud of this little gem. She served us well and it was our pleasure to serve you.” 

Diners who were shocked by the message were also saddened to see that two other places have or intend to shutter their doors: Barrio Cerveceria and Frankie’s Italian. 

Barrio is also closing its doors after less than 10 years in Leslieville. 

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of Barrio Cerveceria. After 9 wonderful years of serving our community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors,” operators wrote on social media. 

“We are deeply grateful for your support, loyalty, and the memories we’ve shared. Our journey wouldn’t have been the same without you, our incredible customers, staff, and friends who made this place feel like home.”

Barrio’s last day will be April 1. 

Frankie’s, a small Italian restaurant known for its funky decor and filling weekend brunch, closed permanently a few days ago. 

“Ciao, friends–with a heavy and grateful heart, we announced that Frankie’s Italian has closed its doors,” operators shared on social media. 

“We’ve loved serving you, sharing meals, and being part of your special moments. Though not all good things last forever, your support, laughter, and the memories made will always be cherished.” 

The news of the closures left many diners shocked. 

“Very tough week in Leslieville. Thanks for the memories,” one poster wrote on a local Facebook page. 

Another mused that the nine-year mark might be the tipping point for some businesses.

“Is 9 years the benchmark?? So sad to see all these restaurants close,” a poster wrote. 

While many people shared memories–and mourned the upcoming loss of Barrio’s spicy margarita–one frequent poster said the neighbourhood is still full of places to frequent, adding that it’s tough to run a restaurant and tougher at a time when customers, many more cash-strapped than before, are spending less. 

Still, diners shared their worries about the broader implications of three restaurants announcing their closures so close together, speculating that perhaps high rents are proving too tough for some operators. 

“Wow that is a lot of restaurants. I imagine the problem is that the rents are getting higher and higher. It’s scary,” the poster wrote.