TORONTO – There are a number of spots in the city where one might think to go for the best Caribbean food, but none have the flavour The Real Jerk has dished out for 27 years. It’s the spot to kick back, relax and grab a little oxtail, curry goat or some steamed fish on the southeast corner of Queen and Broadview. Nearly three decades of offering a little island taste to Toronto may soon be coming to a close though.
While restaurant owners Ed & Lily Pottinger were away over the holidays, a letter was delivered, informing them that the building had been sold. The transaction apparently took place on December 30. They are expected to leave by the end of January. The Real Jerk Manager Natalie Williams, said they knew the property was up for sale, but they didn’t think an eviction notice would come this quickly. They’ve spent the last week letting staff and regular customers know while trying to figure out how to keep the business operating. “We knew there was a chance,” she said “but thought there maybe a 3 month notice.” Staff members claim they had a multi-year lease with building owners before it was recently reduced to year-by-year agreement.
The previous owner of the building tells Global News he wasn’t planning
to sell but was approached by a third party more than a year ago. He
says, “business is business” and staff at The Real Jerk knew there was a
possibility the property would be sold at that time. There have been
rumours in the area about a possible condo development at the corner and
that the company buying the space also purchased two more buildings as
well.
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They are going to try to keep the phone number and continue catering if another location isn’t found in the meantime. A number of people in Leslieville have already said they would like the restaurant to stay in the neighbourhood and have offered to help with the search for space. After all, where else can you get palm trees and some roti in the area?
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