Restaurant says huge construction project, hard times prompted its closure in Toronto
Published October 1, 2025 at 4:27 pm
A relatively new bar and restaurant that replaced a ciderhouse just last year recently announced that it is closed for good, citing a massive upcoming construction project as instrumental in its decision to shutter its doors.
Last month, Duke’s Refresher, a bar and restaurant, announced that it would permanently close its Riverside location, offering a final service to patrons on Sept. 15.
“It is with great regret that we announce the closure of our Duke’s Refresher Riverside location effective Monday September 15th,” operators wrote on social media, adding that both ongoing economic hardships and a major upcoming construction project on Queen Street East forced the difficult decision.
“The current economic conditions and forthcoming 6-month closure of Queen Street has drastically altered our environment and put a great deal of stress on many businesses, including our own and we have had no choice but to cease operations at this property,” operators wrote.
This month, the city and the TTC will begin renewing aging streetcar tracks on Queen Street East between Broadview Avenue and Davies Avenue. Construction crews will also replace two 112-year-old watermains within the project limits, as well as the watermain along Munro Street.
The work, which will not completely close the street (according to the city, at least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times until February, and one eastbound lane will be open between March and April), is expected to last several months, concluding in April 2026.
On its website, the city said the construction is necessary to bring the watermain and streetcar tracks into a “state of good repair.”
In the post, the restaurant, which still operates a location in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, thanks diners and staff for their loyalty and support over the last year.
“To the local community and all our valued partners, we sincerely thank you and we will miss you. While we may not be able to host you at Riverside, you can find many of our team members have relocated to our other Duke’s location at 73 Front Street E. near St. Lawrence Market,” operators wrote.
Patrons expressed shock and disappointment, with the Riverside BIA thanking the SIR Corp restaurant for its brief tenure as an east end watering hole.
“We have so enjoyed having you here with us in Riverside – you will be missed tremendously,” the BIA wrote on social media.
“Thank you to the whole team for having been such a valued part of this community and being so supportive. You have truly shown what it is to be a committed and caring member of this community. Wishing you continued success at your other location.”