Landmark East York eatery Whistler's closing at end of year

The end of an era is coming to a popular East York landmark.

After 36 years, Whistler’s Grille and Café-Bar and The McNeil Room will be closing its doors for good at the end of the year.

The property at the northeast corner of Mortimer and Broadview avenues has been sold and will be redevelope

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The Mastoras and Kanopoulos families shared the news in a Sept. 9 note to customers, employees, neighbours, and friends.

“Since we opened our doors in 1981, the mission of Whistler’s has been to serve high-quality food and deliver exceptional hospitality to our customers in a family-friendly environment,” the memo, which was posted on various social media channels, read.

“We are proud of all that has been accomplished in over three decades of business and thankful for the loyalty and friendship of our patrons.”

In the note, the family also thanked staff for their “incredible dedication and hard work over the years.”

“The contribution of our outstanding employees has been a key element in the longstanding success of our family business.”

The large extended family has owned and operated Whistler’s along with several other restaurants in east-end Toronto since the 1960s.

George and Helen Mastoras founded Whistler’s back in 1981. With the help of their children Steven, John, and Louise, their spouses and children, the restaurant at 995 Broadview Ave. became a successful local landmark.

With all of the grandkids now grown up and living their own lives, the time was right to start a new chapter.

“We had what we believed was a terrific run over the course of more than 30 years,” said Managing Director Steven Mastoras, who did not elaborate on what could be coming to the property.

“There’s a great future for this site. It’ll be great for our family and great for our community.”

The married father of four adult children said the family came together to make this tough decision, which in the end they feel is the best option for the site.

Looking forward, Mastoras said he’ll now be able to spend more time with his loved ones.

And what awaits the life-long East York resident once the doors close? He says he's got “lots of options.”

“I’m still young enough and in good health and I’ve got lots of family support,” Mastoras shared during a recent interview.

A closing party is in the works. More details will be announced when they are available.