Looking southeast towards the corner of King St E and Frederick St, in the Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.
The tall building located directly at the corner was constructed in 1915 for the Andrew Muirhead Company, a paint manufacturer. Over the years, it has served various purposes, housing different manufacturing agents and a dressmaker, as shown in the archive photo. Today, this building is part of George Brown College’s St. James Campus and operates as The Chefs’ House, a fine-dining restaurant and event space run by students.
The photos also feature the Patrician Grill, which first appeared in the 1953 Toronto City Directory and was operated by Gus Clowtis. In 1967, the restaurant was purchased by Louie and Helen Papas. It was later taken over by their son, Terry Papas, and his brother-in-law, Chris Slifkas. For over 70 years, the Patrician Grill, known for its cozy booths and a long 50s-style countertop overlooking the kitchen, has been serving traditional homemade diner fare, including breakfast, burgers, and meatloaf, to business people, college students, and locals. The restaurant closed its doors on May 9, 2026.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register
- Heritage Toronto
- Ontario Heritage Trust
- Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory, courtesy of Toronto Public Library
