It's the end of an era.
Little Jamaica's gem, Randy's Take Out––more commonly referred to as Randy's Patties––officially announced on Thursday they will be closing the iconic eatery.
Their closure had been rumoured throughout social media over the past few days, and in a Thursday morning Instagram post, the establishment confirmed that their last operational day would be this Saturday, Feb. 26. The announcement has left many customers saddened, but thankful for Randy's decades-long service to the community. The announcement has even garnered the despair of Toronto's most notable celebrity, Drake, who offered to purchase the iconic shop in a comment on an Instagram post from E-Talk anchor Tyrone Edwards.
The closure comes after, what Randy's says is, a "variety of issues," including the impact of years of ongoing construction for Metrolinx's Eglinton Crosstown, labour shortages and the widespread impact of Covid-19 over the past two years.
Serving the Eglinton West area since 1979, Randy's has been a staple to the community over generations. Known primarily for their juicy, one-of-a-kind Jamaican patties that rivals many in the city, Toronto has truly lost one of its most notable institutions.
"Our family business is proud to have been a staple here, in the heart of Little Jamaica along Eglinton [Avenue] West, for over 40 years.," they wrote in an Instagram post. "Thank you for all the incredible love and support. We are very thankful to be a part of this amazing community. Thank you for all the great years. Y’all amazing and we'll chat soon, promise."
While it's unsure if Randy's will return at all, their shop at the corner of Eglinton Avenue West and Oakwood Avenue will no longer by slinging their famous patties. Their final day of operation will be this Saturday, Feb. 26.
The line to the store has already began stretching blocks since their announcement––so if you want one (hopefully not) last taste of Toronto's top patty, be prepared to wait––but trust us, it'll be worth every second.
