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Down but not yet out

Brothers Andrew and Mikael Hickey have decided to close up shop at Dundas West’s Press Club (850 Dundas Street West, at Manning), after eight years in the space. The rapidly gentrifying Dundas strip has changed a lot in those eight years. Even the venerable Black Hoof was more than a year from opening when the Hickey brothers set down roots, to say nothing of more recent restaurants in the area such as Campagnolo, Porchetta and Co. and Bent.

“We are proud to have been around to watch Dundas West gain its own identity, but it’s bittersweet now that we will no longer be a part of it,” Andrew says. “These changes, however, have nothing to do with why we are closing.” The closing, Andrew says, is based on what he views as obstacles put in place by the city of Toronto. Of course, it all comes down to money, which Andrew says the bar didn’t have enough of “to jump through all the hoops the city wanted us to.”

He concedes, “It seems silly to blame a city for your own failings,” but references last year’s cover story Fight For Your Right to Party as being linked to the problems. 

“I felt a sense of relief,” Andrew says. “Because it wasn’t just us that have been put through the ringer, so to speak.”

Down but not out yet, the brothers are having a party on Saturday April the 11 to say goodbye to “the old girl,” with local musicians as well as their own band playing. If you can’t make it on the 11th, be sure to stop in before the 17th, when they close the doors for good.

drinks@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto

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