CLOSURE: Legendary Caribbean restaurant just suddenly closed in Toronto
Published September 8, 2025 at 11:01 am
A beloved Caribbean restaurant abruptly closed its doors recently with a quick announcement.
The Real Jerk has long been a fixture in Toronto’s east end, and was even famously the setting for a Drake music video. They’ve been around for years, but more recently opened a location on College Street.
Now, that location has suddenly shut down.
“Thank you to Little Italy, our staff and the Real jerk family for supporting us. Unfortunately we are closing our doors at the College street Location. Stop by if you can, have a last drink. And say goodbye,” reads a post from the restaurant on social media.
View this post on Instagram
Emphasis on “if you can”: the post was made right as the restaurant was closing, giving people little time for a last drink and a goodbye.
The post has over 600 likes and nearly 100 comments on Instagram from people who were surprised by the sudden news.
“wait, is today Sept 1 the last day or you closed up last night already,” someone asked on Instagram, to which Real Jerk replied, “we closed last night.”
“No warning?” another person commented. Someone else commented, “Why didn’t you say anything? It all makes sense now. I’m heartbroken, I loved this spot so much.”
Other people in the comments shouted out Real Jerk’s karaoke nights, comedy shows, Superbowl events and of course, the food.
The last day for Real Jerk on College was Sept. 1.