Ho-Lee-Chow Joins the Deadpool, Or Does It?
Although it's been reported in various Toronto media outlets (other coverage here and here) that Ho-Lee-Chow has closed all its GTA locations, it appears that this isn't entirely true -- at least for now.
After receiving a strange phone call from the location nearest to me on Monday that urged me to place future orders using a new phone number, I was suspicious of yesterday's news that each and every location was shutting down. So, just to make sure, I decided to make a trip up the road to have a look for myself. Sure enough, I found the St. Clair and Winona location operating as usual.
News of the closures came after the Ho-Lee-Chow's website went down and in light of the following message on their central phone line:
"Due to circumstances beyond our control -- one of which is the poor economic climate -- another of which is a refusal to compromise on quality and service you've come to appreciate, Ho-Lee-Chow has closed down operations."
A notice from the landlord at the Queen and Woodbine location also seemed to indicate the demise of the popular Chinese take-out and delivery chain.
Although it remains unclear as to whether or not the St. Clair location will remain open, they are offering a 10% discount for those that contact them at their new phone number.
Perhaps this is a sign of their desire to reward/maintain former customers as they enter a new phase? It's not a whole lot of savings, so it doesn't reek of a last ditch effort. But, at the end of the day, it's tough to tell.
Unfortunately, my conversation with the night staff wasn't altogether illuminating with regard to the long term future of the location. When I inquired as to the status of the restaurant, I was informed that "the boss isn't here." They did, however, confirm the obvious: "we are open now."
As to how long "now" is, I remain unsure. But until there's evidence to to contrary, it would appear that Ho-Lee-Chow lives on at 863 St. Clair West in an independent capacity despite the chain's demise.
I've always genuinely enjoyed Ho-Lee-Chow. Although not the best the city has to offer by any stretch, it is/was a pretty consistent take on North Americanized Chinese food. So I have to admit that I hope that the one remaining location will indeed stick around. But, at the risk of cliche, I guess only time will tell.
The St. Clair and Winona location can be reached at 416-658-7109.
Lead photo Derek Flack, subsequent images Tim Shore.
Comments (29)
I know Maple Leafs fans hate the Rangers, but when I saw the "no MSG" signs in the restaurant windows I know some fan too it a bit too far!
There is a bigger story here. Few months back a friend of mine was talking to some employees at a location out in Mississauga.
Turns out that the parent company was wanting to pass on ALL their increased operating costs and raise the franchise fees by a ridiculous amount.
So its not so much because of the bad economy because lets be honest...chinese food can easily be a recession proof food.
I think its just another example of companies using the bad economy as an excuse to shut down becuase they cant keep getting their HUGE profit margins when things were going good.
I can't understand how this 'supposed' restaurant even had more than one location in the city.
Will keven have an epiphany when he tries Ho Lee Chow's food? I don't think zucchini, eggplant, and tomato stew is on their menu.
If some Ho-Lee-Chow outlets were franchises (which seems to be the case), it makes perfect sense that they would remain open even if head office (and any directly owned branches of the chain) have closed down.
Of course, there may be legal implications to their use of the Ho-Lee-Chow name, so I wouldn't be surprised if the names of any remaining outlets change in the near future, should they choose to continue operating. But there's nothing stopping them from continuing doing business for the time being.
i hope the all closed down and open a new chain similar to Cafe De Carol in HK..'cause the food is way better...fast food in toronto is sooooo frigging boring.. they should all learn something from how Asia does it.. like singapore, hk, japan, taiwan, etc..
Funny I've been in Canada for three years and only ordered from there once like two years ago. And last weekend out of the blue I decided to give them a call only to get the recorded message mentioned. The location close to me (Yonge and Davenport) is also closed. Any other good Chinese fast food recommendations?
"Anton Ego, everyone ..."
Wow. You actually give Hole-e-chow that much stock? I feel bad for you large intestine.
"I don't think zucchini, eggplant, and tomato stew is on their menu."
I have no idea what you mean by this... It makes no sense.
Okay than...
My apologies I didn't realize I was replying to someone that should have parental supervision
Oh I'm sorry, Socrates, if we're not meeting your exacting standards for debate on an internet message board. Maybe you should spend more time out in the real world (learning proper word useage and grammar) instead of trolling around here.
Yikes! Easy there grammar/spelling nazi... I'm just saying I don't like hole-e-chow. I didn't realize that was considered trolling :P
No need to get all defensive and angry about it. Go for a walk, get some fresh air! It's beautiful out.
> Of course, there may be legal implications to their use of the
> Ho-Lee-Chow name
Yes, but there are apparently a couple of franchised Sam the Record Man entities still around. It probably depends on whether the parent just disappears or whether someone else buys the remaining assets.
Having said that: I'm not a lawyer, but I played one on stage.
oh didnt realize manchu wok is owned by cafe de carol, but the food really sucks there.. why can't they do it like cafe de carol in hk...if they ever open a chain here, i do not have to cook or do grocery shopping anymore.. i will just live on cafe de carol
Manchu wok was bought out by Cafe de Coral. (sorry, not Carol). That's hardly the same thing. Cafe de Coral and Maxim's and others never fail to amaze me. If there is even a half assed attempt in replicating that style of fast food here, I'll happily be a regular.
If you still want it and is currently living or working in the GTA, we are the last remaining location standing.
Located at 863 St. Clair Avenue West. 416.658.7109 or 416.658.0796
We delivery free of charge depending on location and it's 10% off everything you order in.
All menu items remain the same and new lunch combos are available in-store as low as $5.95 no tax!
Come by and try us. Might be the only chance you'll get. :)
Also, to follow us on facebook, please join the group 'The "New" Ho Lee Chow'. THANKS! :)
This is upsetting. Who will protect us from the MSG?!?
Seriously though, sad day. The food wasn't the best but it was reliable, which means something, I guess.
Ho-Lee Crap is right. Saying the problem was "the recession" when it was "crappy food and bad service..." Man... whatever you need to help you sleep at night.
Hmmph. Just got an H-L-C menu at my door today. No sign of Ho Lee Chow, but the menu has http://www.hlcrestaurants.com/ as the company's website.
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