I have driven by so many times in the last few weeks to see the CLOSED sign in the window. I had wondered what was going on...

Darn, I was going to try that place my next time up.
Sorry for Prof McI's son who worked there as well.

I can confirm that The Parkside is closed: last Thusday I put in my final kitchen shift.

I wish all my fellow Parkside alums the best. It was the favorite of my all my jobs, and I won't soon forget the time I spent there.

If I may, I will take this moment to remind you all: if you have a favorite local joint, go there, spend a buck, and renew them, that they might keep providing your neighborhood its unique, local flavor. Without loyal customers, no establishment can ever truly shine. Without happy regulars, the best we can hope for is Applebee's.

(Dear Applebee's: I am currently looking for a job.)

--JP

They will be missed.

And most importantly, without edible food, no restaurant will remain open.

"And most importantly, without edible food, no restaurant will remain open."
Untrue of Parkside. I was always very pleased with my meals there. But by all means, kick a fellow human being while they are down. You must be a wonderful person Nik.

Nik, way to kick a struggling family when they are down.

Did you not see Chris, Colleen, and their kids (aka the owners) in that place all the time?

Did you know that it was, in every sense of the word, a family business?

The food was at times uneven.
That being said, if there was an off night, the food was still leagues better than many places that can qualify as family restaurants, a neighborhood bar, or both.

They will be missed, more than people like Nik will ever know.

Try not to take it personally, but yes, it's true. If a restaurant can't come up with quality food, they will eventually fold. It sucks that a local business has to go out like that, but read online reviews of the place, and the service. Other restaurants in the neighborhood have great food, awesome service, and are filled night after night with regulars. I'm aware it was a family restaurant. I'm well aware of the atmosphere, the philosophy, etc. But what it really came down to was the food. I stopped eating there a while ago because the food was so terrible, and after months of bad service, I eventually stopped drinking there, too. Apparently I wasn't the only one.

Best of luck to Chris, Colleen, et al. Anyway, we all know it's better to try and fail, than to not try at all. Kudos.

I had umpteen incredible meals at the Parkside. And I am not easily pleased! I can't imagine what these other people are talking about. Really - it was one of my favorite restaurants of all time, and had I known ahead of time of their struggles I would have blitzed everyone I know to go there and spend money. How soon before they open a new restaurant in Hamilton? Will we lose the neighborhood???