EDMONTON – After decades in business along Whyte Avenue, the historic Elephant & Castle pub is shutting down.
According to a post on the pub’s Facebook page, the bar will be closed Dec. 21.
The note goes on to thank patrons who have visited the pub in the past.
“We would like to invite any, and all of you who have spent time in this great pub over the years to come down this week. We would love the opportunity to share stories over a drink with you.”
There is no information in the post to suggest why Elephant & Castle is closing down.
The bar is owned by Franworks, which also runs Original Joe’s and State & Main.
When patrons commented asked about what is happening to the employees, Elephant & Castle replied.
“This entire week is going to be spent finding homes for the staff somewhere within the Franworks Group of Companies. Anyone who decides not to stay will be taken care of. Nobody is going to be left out in the cold. I made that promise to them myself.”
Franworks issued the following statement Monday afternoon, hinting the location could be re-branded come 2016.
“FranWorks Group of Companies, owner and operator of Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurants, has made the decision to permanently close its Elephant & Castle Edmonton Whyte Avenue location after business on December 20, 2015. FranWorks is considering maintaining this space and rebranding it in the New Year.”