Midtown’s Steak Pit, one of Toronto’s oldest restaurants, has been sold

After nearly 70 years in business, the Steak Pit has been sold. The restaurant has been a carnivorous institution in midtown Toronto since it opened in 1948. 

“I thought it was time to spend some time with my grandchildren and family,” owner Tom Vigneux says of his decision to sell the restaurant he has worked at for 51 years.

Despite the name, ribs were the cornerstone of the restaurant’s menu. “Fifty percent of the people who came in had ribs and 35 to 40% would order steak,” Vigneux said. 

He says that the new owner has bought the name, business and building at 1666 Avenue Rd. and wants to transfer the liquor licence, so there is a slim chance The Pit will live on in some form. According to Vigneux, the new owner does not want to operate a restaurant himself and is working with his real estate agent to find someone who does. 

As well as being a longstanding favourite with local residents, many of the staff have been at the Steak Pit for more than a decade.

Regulars keen on a last visit under the current ownership have until Sunday, November 27.

The Steak Pit, 1666 Avenue Rd., 416-783-3077

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