Family-owned Toronto restaurant closing permanently after over 30 years

A family-run Toronto restaurant that's been a neighbourhood staple for 30 years is closing permanently this week.

Opening its doors in 1991, Danforth's El Sol restaurant has been a stalwart of the local landscape for 35 years, keeping a neighbourhood otherwise known for its Greek cuisine stocked with its fill of sizzling Mexican dishes.

At the time it opened, El Sol was a revelation to Toronto residents unfamiliar with the expanses of Mexican cuisine. Head chef Yolanda Paez introduced many locals to the idea that Mexican cuisine extended beyond menu items like tacos and burritos.

Even after that, the restaurant maintained an unwavering local fan base that kept its vibrantly coloured seats full for more than three decades.

Not everything can last forever, though, and the end is now in sight for El Sol.

A sign announces El Sol's impending closure. Fareen Karim.

Regulars and neighbourhood residents recently noticed a sign in the window at the restaurant announcing that, after more than 30 years, El Sol will soon close permanently.

"Thank you to the beautiful Danforth neighbourhood for always supporting us throughout the years," the sign reads, going on to announce, "After 30 years El Sol restaurant is closing."

The sign explains that the restaurant's last day in business will be Sunday, Aug. 16, and, in the following weeks leading up to the 31, all of the restaurant's contents will be on sale. Stocked to the rafters with folk art and tchotchkes, it actually wouldn't hurt to stop by El Sol and see what you can score.

Fareen Karim.

El Sol is located at 1448 Danforth Ave.