Most likely it was the location that killed it though. This side of Queen near Coxwell isn't really a retail or restaurant hot spot and walk by traffic is slim. It was also never able to lure many customers from the much more bustling Red Rocket a little further west.

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.

It's nice to see, though, that the owners have a sense of humour about the situation. In a note posted to their front door (see below), they take some time to poke fun at themselves and their customers.

Sadly, it's not that surprising a development. While the first two TYPE stores on Queen West and Spadina seem to get a steady stream of visitors, the third branch on the Danforth was often empty. I last bought a book there on December 24th (usually a busy day for last minute shoppers) and I was the only one in the store for about 20 minutes.

Many might remember this isn't the first time Greenavi owner Ellen Soyoung Lee couldn't make a cafe fly in this space. Her previous incarnation Just Us! lacked personality and felt too chain like. It didn't last long. The re-thought Greenavi was definitely a step up and was voted one of the best new cafes of 2008.

As previously reported, a six month extension worked out with Pinedale Properties in February was occasion for cautious hope, but the discrepancy between what Glassman can afford to pay and what Pinedale believes it can charge is simply too wide. A fixture for artists, intellectuals and book lovers coming on 30 years, the store will be sorely missed.

I caught up with Marc by phone earlier today to commiserate and ask about what he hopes the future might hold for him and his store.

Local furniture importer Rumah at 668 Queen Street West is pulling up roots after 30 years in Toronto under owner Judy Stevens.

"To all SIMPLY ZOUP patrons and friends,

With bit of sadness & regrets we have to cease operation. On behalf of the staff's [sic] and management, we would like to thank all who have supported us over the last 18 months.

We are proud and hold our heads high.

The immediate future is unclear, but SIMPLY ZOUP could possibly rise again."

So it'll be sad to see this guy leave our presence for good. Renaissance Cafe, found at 1938 Danforth east of Woodbine, is entering the deadpool. After this Sunday, east-end folk songwriters need to find a new stage. There'll be no more Tinfoil Hat parties (Funkless lives on, of course). And Toronto's east end will have lost a jewel of a venue.

Fans, be warned. If anyone wants one last taste of their favourite lip-smacking barbecued goodness, perhaps they ought to change whatever plans they may have already had for chow this evening, and get over there before it's over.