2020 has brought a lot of heartbreaking changes, especially for Montreal restaurants. Such a key part of the city's culture, saying goodbye to any restaurant is always painful, but to have so many gone away before their time this year has been absolutely crushing. Editor's Choice: 7 New Laws & Regulations Coming Into Effect Across Quebec In 2021 In true Montreal style, the teams behind our favourite spots wanted to give their thanks from the bottom of their hearts to the communities that supported them through their journeys. Some even let us know that perhaps this is more of a "see you soon" than a "goodbye". In either case, we're sad to see them go, but we'll always have the beautiful memories. Agrikol Address: 1844, rue Atateken, Montreal, QC Cuisine: Haitian, Caribbean View this post on Instagram A post shared by Agrikol (@agrikol_mtl) One of Montreal's favourite spots for authentic Haitian cuisine took to Instagram to announce that they will be closing up shop for the "foreseeable future." "This isn't a goodbye so much as a 'see you soon,' and we want to take the opportunity to thank you." La Récolte Espace Local Address: 764, rue Bélanger, Montreal, QC Cuisine: French Posted by La Récolte espace local on Friday, November 20, 2020 Initially closing for just the summer season, the restaurant announced on November 20 that the situation had forced the seven-year-old operation to say goodbye. "It is with pride that we withdraw and want to thank you once again for your presence and support over the past few years. Looking forward to seeing each other soon!" La Pizzaiolle Plateau's "AUTHENTIQUE DÎNER de 1952" Address: 4801, rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC Cuisine: Italian View this post on Instagram A post shared by La Pizzaiolle (@pizzaiolle) After 28 amazing years, the 1950s-diner-turned-pizza-joint hung up its aprons at its Plateau location. Partly due to construction in the area, the pizza spot said that the pandemic definitely did not help them either. The diner is actually up for sale for anyone wanting to give the building its next adventure. "Thank you for having participated in this wonderful adventure since 1992. We hope to see you in a future innovative restoration project." Moishes Address: 3961, boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC Cuisine: Steakhouse Dear customers. Although restaurants are now allowed to open their dining rooms, the impacts of the pandemic on our...Posted by Moishes Steakhouse on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 The iconic Jewish steakhouse, which has seen the city through the Second World War, political distress and many a snowstorm in its 83-year run, said goodbye for now on its Facebook page back in July. "We can't wait to see you again." Grumman'78 Address: 630, rue de Courcelle, Montreal, QC Cuisine: Tacos, street food Chers tous, c’est avec le coeur gros qu’on doit vous annoncer que le Grumman’78 raccroche ses pneus de façon définitive. L’année 2020 a amené son lot d’émotions et de mauvaises nouvelles, et notre vieux camion & son garage mythique en auront fait les frais malheureusement. On va prendre une belle pause, et voir où le vent nous mènera pour la prochaine aventure… Nous en avons vécu, des belles affaires! Aidé à changer la réglementation municipale, donné du bonheur à bien des gourmands, organisé bien des partys de fête & des mariages… notre bilan est grand, et beau, et lourd. On est bien heureux d’avoir eu la chance de travailler fort, tous ensemble, pendant ces 10 années. Maintenant que le vent a tourné, on vous donne une dernière chance de passer nous voir ce week-end. Vous allez voir, le vieux garage a bien changé, il est en train de revenir à sa forme originelle de 2010, quand nous sommes tombés en amour avec lui. Il reste quelques objets, des choses à ramasser comme souvenir, ou juste pour nous donner un coup de main - on fait une “vente de garage” dans le garage! Ces samedi et dimanche, à partir de 10ham, venez dire un “Ciao amigos!” au HQ (en respectant les mesures sanitaires, bien sûr!) Et merci, merci à tout notre staff, nos fournisseurs, nos clients, nos amis - pour votre générosité et votre amitié, votre gentillesse et votre dévouement. On ne vous nommera pas tous, vous êtes des milliers! Mais on vous envoie une tonne d’amour ! On vous laisse sur ce magnifique video que notre ami Julien de Un soir à Montréal nous avait préparé pour lancer notre automne, on y voit ici notre élan et notre vision, et tout ce que nous avons vécu en cette année 2020. Dear Grumman Community, With love and gratitude in our hearts we are here to announce that Grumman 78 is closing its doors and hanging up its tires. 2020, with all its challenges, enabled us to evolve and transform, but it has also crippled our beloved business. Our taco garage and our inimitable 1978 GMC Grumman have ceased operations effective immediately. We are going to take a well-deserved break and see where the wind takes us – possibly on another adventure? But what a time we had. 10 years! We hosted your weddings, birthday parties, family dinners and funerals. We catered your at home parties, your office lunches, we were there for your lazy Sunday dinners, your date nights and your Christmas parties. We also changed the laws in Montreal ushering in a new age of food trucks and culinary ingenuity. And we loved every second. What a privilege to be a part of your lives all these years. They say that everything ends, and it is our time to go. But before we do, we hope you’ll come see us this weekend, October 17-18 for a real garage sale. We have a few items that need new homes, and we’d love to see you before we move on. Come say hi – (while respecting social distancing and impeccable hygiene, to be sure!) we open at 10am. Finally, to our beloved staff, customers and suppliers, “thank you” cannot convey the depth of our gratitude. Grumman, in all her glory, thrived thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, your love and loyalty. We will miss you all. We leave you with this magnificent video made by our friend Julien from “Un soir a Montreal”. Slated to be released this autumn, you can see how our 2020 unfolded and the optimism with which we approached it. We are forever grateful – for all of it. Love, Gaelle, Hilary & Seb.Posted by Grumman78 on Friday, October 16, 2020 If there are two things Montrealers love, it's food trucks and tacos. And Grumman'78 brought both. Found in Saint-Henri, the joint brought nourishment and happiness to passersby in its ten-year endeavour. The team said goodbye on its Facebook in mid-October. "Finally, to our beloved staff, customers and suppliers, 'thank you' cannot convey the depth of our gratitude. Grumman, in all her glory, thrived thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, your love and loyalty. We will miss you all." Esquina Address: 4526, ave. Papineau, Montreal, QC Cuisine: Cafe Bonjour à tous! Il est temps pour moi de vous dire aurevoir! Voilà ce qui marque la fin de la vie d'esquina... de cette...Posted by Esquina, bar à café on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 This cozy spot located in the Plateau was an absolute favourite in the neighbourhood. Initially closing its doors for the first wave in March, the team said farewell on Facebook back in June. "It's with a heavy heart but filled with pride for what I've accomplished that I say thank you for your loyalty, your smiles and all those counter conversations! Looking forward to seeing each other on the street... or in a cafe." GaNaDaRa Address: 1862, boul. de Maisonneuve, Montreal, QC Cuisine: Korean View this post on Instagram A post shared by Restaurant GaNaDaRa (@ganadaramtl) Many knew this spot as a staple after a night out near Concordia. After eight years, GaNaDaRa announced it was the end of its journey. But not to worry — Bar Ganadara up the street (1900, rue Sainte-Catherine O.) is continuing its legacy. "Since September 2012, we have had much love and support, more than we could ever have, from so many people. We appreciate indescribably it and want to say a big THANK YOU TO ALL." Su Address: 5145, rue Wellington, Verdun, QC Cuisine: Turkish View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fisun Ercan (@fisun.ercan) Over in Verdun, Su offered the island a taste of Turkish cuisine, done in a classy, yet homey feel that made you feel like you were on a culinary adventure, whether or not you were familiar with the dishes. Montreal Chef Fisun Ecran made the official closure announcement on June 14 on Instagram and used the post to announce the new farm-to-table concept, bika. "I'd love to thank to everyone we worked together over the years and to our clients. All was possible thanks to you!"
