toronto power outage

Toronto restaurants lost a full night of business due to the power outage

The power outage that ripped through downtown Toronto yesterday left restaurants that usually open around 5 p.m. in a bind. 

Many opted to close for the night, meaning they lost an evening of business.

Pearl Diver, George and Gusto 501 were just some of the restaurants that shut down before dinner service could begin.

By the time the power had come back on at Pearl Diver, staff had already been sent home, orders had been cancelled and customers were contacted.

Days near the end of the week can often be big evenings for restaurant sales, rivalling even the weekend. Pearl Diver normally does a Thursday night big ticket special of 100 oysters for $100.

"Big time loss in sales," a Pearl Diver representative tells blogTO. "Huge disappointment. Thursday is our top night."

"We apologize in advance for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and support," Gusto 501 wrote on social media.

George also explained via social media that, although their power had been restored, they'd be remaining closed for the rest of the night. They also let people know they'd be reopening for the evening of August 12.

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Food insecurity could bring this old disease back to Canada

Once-hyped Chinese restaurant known for its noodles shuts down Toronto location

$82 turkey at Loblaw-owned store in Ontario has shoppers stunned

Bizarre interaction at Tim Hortons in Toronto goes viral on TikTok

Major location of Toronto healthy eating chain to be replaced by a Tim Hortons

Thousands show up to Picklefest in Toronto for pickle-inspired food and drinks

Toronto grocery store responds to reports of Listeria outbreak

These are the worst types of shoppers at Costco Canada according to customers