Breakfast at Jim's: Legendary east end diner has served up its last western - Action News
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Toronto

Breakfast at Jim's: Legendary east end diner has served up its last western

After serving "the best westerns" in Toronto for more than 50 years, Jim's Restaurant, a Leslieville landmark, closed Saturday to the dismay of many regulars.

'I'm shocked. Im gonna miss this place,' says one regular who favoured Jim's Hungry Man special

Jim's Restaurant, a legendary breakfast spot in the city's east end, served up its last batch of hearty breakfasts on Saturday. A six-storey condominum will be erected in its place. (CBC)

After serving "the best westerns" in Toronto for more than 50 years, Jim's Restaurant, a Leslieville landmark, closed Saturday to thedismay of many regulars.

"I didn't know it was closing," Joe Geraci told CBC News when informed that thepopular eatery on Queen Street East near Logan Avenue will be replaced by asix-storeycondominium development. "I'm shocked.I'mgonnamiss thisplace."

Jim Geraci reacts to news that Jim's Restaurant was closing on Saturday. Geraci said he was a big fan of the Hungry Man special featuring three eggs, three slices of bacon, three sausages, a slice of peameal, toast and tea of coffee.

"I work every second Saturday so I come here for a nice breakfast," he said, adding that the cash-only restaurant's Hungry Man special featuring three eggs, three slices of bacon, three sausages, a slice of peameal, toast and tea or coffee always hits the spot and keeps him going until dinner.

"And the Western's keep you coming back for more," Geraci said, referring to the restaurant's signature item.

When told why Jim's was closing, Gerci sighed.

"Ah, very nice. Developments," he said sarcastically. "Close everything down."

ShellyRavellswas another regular who was sad to see Jim's leavingthe neighbourhood. She said she woke up early on Saturday to have breakfast at the restaurant.

"Change is good but unfortunately its squeezing out these mom-and-pop places," says Shelly Ravells, who was a regular at Jim's Restaurant.

When asked if Jim's legendary westerns met the hype surrounding them, she said, "Actually, there's a secret sandwich not many people know about. It'sapeameal, egg and cheese sandwich thatMimimakesthat's amazing!It's not on the menu."

Ravells said Jim's reflectedthe eclectic neighbourhoodand was philosophical about how Leslieville is changing.

"Change is good but, unfortunately, it's squeezing out these mom-and-pop places and a lot of these big box stores are coming in, which is not so great. What can you do?"

George Dafos, who has manned the griddle for the last 16 years, is the restaurant's third owner.

"We take pride in what we do," he said. "We tried to stay here. We looked around but the rents are too high in this area. What are you gonna do?"

George Dafos, who has manned the griddle at Jim's Restaurant for the last 16 years, is the diner's third owner.

With files from Nicholas Boisvert