The Rivoli on Queen Street West is synonymous with late nights, fun times and being at the forefront of Toronto’s cutting edge entertainment. Ever since first opening in 1982 this ultra cool, cultural incubator quickly became the backdrop to some of Canada’s biggest up and coming artists.
But now the three owners, Andre Rosenbaum, David Stearn and Jeff Strasburg, feel that the time is right for change.
And so come Sept. 8 they are handing over the helm and the keys to three new owners: long time staff member Sarah Henning and partners Jenna Wood, a web entrepreneur, and Jessica McHardy, a chef whose earlier stints were at the Federal and the Ritz Carlton here in Toronto.
“They’re going to throw themselves into it heart and soul and put in a lot of the sweat equity we no longer can really do,” says Andre, speaking frankly from his office above the club and restaurant, which he candidly describes as a three ring circus. There’s the legendary backroom stage, a modest sidebar, dining room and patio, and the laidback pool hall with vintage tables.
Patrons can breathe easy though. The owners – who also own the Queen Mother Café down the street – thought long and hard about the venue’s future. “It’s like having two children and the Rivoli is now getting married and the Queen Mother Café is still the child living in the basement.”
The owners say they were adamant to find a smooth transition to pass the torch to the next generation of hipsters. “All three are taking on this venture at the same age we did,” he smiles in this bittersweet period as the Rivoli changes owners.
Shades of black and grey have replaced the yellow ochre sponged walls. The maroon ceiling has morphed into black and the menu selection will have some surprises in keeping with today’s culinary trends. I still fondly remember the amazing Pad Thai and spring rolls.
During this switch don’t be surprised to spot the original Rivoli trio hanging around either. “We’re sharing our office upstairs until our new one is ready,” says Andre, explaining he and his partners will still be visible on the Queen Street scene.
“We’re very proud of what we created. We think we are part of the cultural history of this city during its dynamic Queen West period.”
