Beloved neighbourhood restaurant in Toronto permanently closing after years of struggle

A restaurant that’s been beloved in its neighbourhood will soon be permanently closing, and sadly it’s a tough end to a hard road.

Oakwood Hardware has held firm at a corner of the street it’s named for, and locals have relied on it as a hub where they could find comfort food, drinks and community.

Not only did the restaurant survive the pandemic lockdowns that so many others did not, Oakwood Hardware also faced many other additional hardships throughout the years like fires and floods.

“Eight years ago, with the support of friends and family that are too numerous to mention, a decades-long dream was realized when The Oakwood Hardware began to serve our community,” Oakwood Hardware owner Anne Sorrenti wrote in an Instagram post.

“I used to pass the building each day as I walked my children to school, dreaming of the day we could breathe new life into its beautiful bones. I am proud of not only the work we did in transforming the space, but about what Oakwood Hardware has meant to me, my family, to our staff and to our community. Because we have been part of a renaissance in our neighbourhood, paving the way for exciting new restaurants and businesses which is what I always wanted.”

It’s true, too. Since Oakwood Hardware opened, the vibrant surrounding neighbourhood has experienced the opening of several exciting new food businesses like Primrose Bagel and Porzia’s. Unfortunately, the landlord of Oakwood Hardware doesn’t seem to appreciate the way they’ve paved.

“I am sad to share with you that our landlords have informed us that they will be pursuing alternative options for our space,” reads Sorrenti’s post.

“While the decision to close was not ours, we are all working to digest this news and prepare for life afterwards. We hope that you will come and visit us before our doors are closed to say goodbye and hopefully make more memories. Please know these past eight years have meant the world to us and my family and I will always be grateful for all the love and trust you placed in us.”

Local businesses have commented on the post expressing their dismay, with FK Restaurant writing, “Terribly unfair news for you, and after so much perseverance and resilience. So sorry to hear this.” Wild Blue Bakery wrote, “Oh Anne, we are so sad to hear this! This is a terrible loss for the neighbourhood.” Local politician Marit Stiles even commented on the post, writing, “Anne, I’m so sorry to hear this. OH has been such a cornerstone of the Oakwood Village community. And I know you have overcome so much to make this a success. Best of luck on your next adventure.”

Many others commented on the post as well, saying how sad they were to hear the news and how much the restaurant meant to them.

Oakwood Hardware will be closing as of May 30.