Toronto restaurant that was a summertime staple closes permanently
A Toronto restaurant that diners flocked to, especially in the city's warmer months, just announced it has closed permanently after seven years.
For those who frequent the Harbourfront area, and even more so Queens Quay Terminal, the very concept of chicken is ubiquitous with vibrant local haunt Joe Bird.
For seven years, the restaurant nestled inside Queens Quay Terminal has been churning out all manner of chicken dishes. Whether you like your bird fried, grilled, glazed or sandwiched within a bao bun, Joe Bird had your fix covered.
Despite the restaurant's decidedly chicken-forward branding, they served plenty of other drinks and dishes, including a comprehensive list of local brews and tropical cocktails that, if you squinted, could almost make you feel like you were in a tropical destination rather than on the shores of Lake Ontario.
In the summers, Joe Bird would also open its in-house ice cream shop, The Fix, which served unique flavours of soft-serve with equally impressive presentation: sandwiched inside a concha, drizzled with chamoy and a sprinkle of Tajin or sporting a solid chocolate moustache.
Sadly, it's the end of Joe Bird and, by extension, The Fix, as we know it, as the restaurant took to Instagram on Monday, March 16, to announce that, after an impressive run, it has closed for good.
"We're incredibly grateful to our community, staff and vendors who supported us and helped bring Joe Bird to life over the last 7 years," the Instagram post reads.
"After being presented with an opportunity to sell, we've made the decision to close this chapter," it goes on to elaborate.
"On to the next chapter!"
In response to the post, scores of enthusiastic Joe Bird fans flooded the comment section to express their heartbreak over the closure, taking the opportunity to share their fond memories of the restaurant over the years.
"We will truly miss you! You've been a staple in our neighborhood [sic] and a venue for many celebrations and family gatherings. Thanks for everything!" one comment reads.
"Always had a great time, great service and will cherish the great memories. Best wishes to the Joe Bird team and many blessings in your future endeavours," writes a fan.
"The summer will not be the same without the Bird," another person succinctly writes.
One can only hope that, with warmer days rapidly approaching, whatever business takes over the prime slice of waterfront real estate left behind by Joe Bird can turn it around quickly enough to open in time for the summer season peak.
Joe Bird was formerly located at 207 Queens Quay.
Hector Vasquez
