Toronto's City Hall cafe closes its doors after over a quarter century, having provided refreshments to politicians, bureaucrats, and local residents: "Familiar faces will be missed"
Toronto's Iconic Café On the Square Closes After 26 Years
Café On the Square, a beloved eatery nestled within Toronto City Hall, has bid farewell to its loyal patrons after 26 years of service. The café, which served as an unofficial town square for various groups, including politicians, lawyers, students, and protesters, closed its doors on August 7, 2021.
Located in the heart of Toronto's civic precinct, Café On the Square was more than just a restaurant. It was a community space, a gathering point for city employees, visitors, and locals alike. The café's unique ambiance, reminiscent of a late-'90s time capsule with its zebra print carpeting, chrome stools, and wooden fixtures, added to its charm and character.
Toronto City Hall, completed after a 1958 design competition, is a landmark civic building known for its modernist architecture and public square. The café's location within this iconic building made it a convenient and accessible spot for meals and socializing within the government center.
Over the years, Café On the Square became a familiar face for many regular customers. Gabi Berkovics, a longtime customer, appreciated the fresh, healthy, made-from-scratch food and the affordable $15 lunch. Mike Colle, Councillor for Eglinton-Lawrence, was a regular customer and expressed concern for the staff, stating he visited the café two to three times a week. Councillor Paula Fletcher, who represented Toronto-Danforth, was also a frequent patron. Pierogi Monday and Quiche Friday were regular orders for Fletcher.
The café faced financial challenges in the past, with disputes over unpaid rent and operating losses reported in a 2015 Star article. However, the fare at the café was not fancy but hearty and nourishing, making it a favourite among many.
The closure of Café On the Square corresponds with broader changes in workplace and public space utilization that have affected many city facilities. The city received a notice from the operators of Café On the Square stating their intention to terminate operations at Toronto City Hall. A new operator will provide select food and beverage offerings on a temporary basis while the competitive REOI process is underway.
The staff of Café On the Square were known for their friendliness, remembering patrons and their orders, and joking around with people. Norman Gee, who has worked at the café since it opened in 1999, served five mayors, including Tory, Chow, and Ford. Head chef Wayne Honeyghan, who led the kitchen for 21 years, expressed sadness about the closure, stating it felt like losing a family.
David Rider, the Star's former city hall bureau chief, called Café On the Square the unofficial town square of City Hall, an even playing field for various groups. The café's closing marks the end of an era for this popular internal dining spot. Despite the lack of detailed historical narratives about the café itself, its location inside Toronto City Hall situates it as part of the broader civic infrastructure and public life of Toronto.
References: [1] Toronto City Hall. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2023, from https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/history-and-architecture-of-city-hall/
- Following the closure of Café On the Square, local media outlets have reported on the impact that this change will have on Torontonians who frequented the business for its food-and-drink options and the lifestyle it provided.
- In the wake of Café On the Square's closure, there is speculation about the future of Toronto's home-and-garden spaces, as the city government considers plans for redeveloping the iconic city hall.
- With the closure of Café On the Square, a well-established source of news and learning for many lawyers in the city will be lost, as the eatery was a popular spot for informal business meetings and discussions.
- As cooking enthusiasts across Toronto mourn the loss of their beloved Café On the Square, they may still find solace in the variety of food-and-drink establishments the city has to offer, showcasing a diverse range of cuisines and styles.
- The closure of Café On the Square has sparked a larger conversation about the role of news and media in documenting the history and culture of a city, raising questions about how to preserve stories like this for future generations.
