Looking southeast along King St E from Frederick St, in the Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.
There is a span of 68 years between the two photos. In the archive photo, the building on the corner, which dates back to 1915, housed various businesses, including a paint manufacturer, an office supply company and manufacturing agents. Next to it is the Patrician Grill, which opened in the early 1950s. Notice that its neon sign, which was taken down in June 2026, once included the word “Sodas.” Beside the restaurant is Kirke’s television and appliance shop. The old photo also shows a construction sign that reads “Single Lane Only” and a box for the former Telegram newspaper.
Today, the corner building is part of George Brown College’s St. James Campus and operates as The Chefs’ House, a student-run fine dining restaurant and event space. The Patrician Grill, purchased by Louie and Helen Papas in 1967, was later operated by their son, Terry, and his brother-in-law, Chris Slifkas. This family-run diner, known for its traditional diner fare served in cozy booths or at a long counter overlooking the kitchen, closed its doors for the last time on May 9, 2026, at 2 PM.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register
- Heritage Toronto
- Ontario Heritage Trust
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory, courtesy of Toronto Public Library
