On December 12, 2012, at 12, I opened TheSmoke. I created a Brand from scratch, created recipes and techniques that ended with delicious food that people loved. When we were featured on the Food Network Show “You Gotta Eat Here” in 2014, that truly put us on the map, and we became a Destination Restaurant. We won many awards and accolades, and I was so proud of what TheSmoke became. We even won best Bloody Ceasar in Ontario, and 3rd Best in Canada.
When covid hit, that was the start of our decline, and the restaurant industry as a whole. We were closed for dine in for 808 days, and just offered take out. We re-opened for dine in on May 25, 2022, and things were different. Prior to covid our take out sales were about 6%. Then it became more like 33% of sales, and continued on that path even till today.
As food and labour costs kept increasing, we had to increase our prices and take items off our menu, as they were too expensive to offer. It was better take it off the menu than take criticism from people on social media.
The last 18 months have seen a decline in sales, as people did not have disposable income to dine out. Dining out became a luxury. With the instability south of the border, gas prices and higher costs, it became very difficult to earn a profit.
About 60 days ago, my wife and I decided that it was time to sell, and close the business.
We will continue to provide our complete menu, as long as it makes sense. Certain items will be dropped from the menu when we won’t be able to sell them, by when we close.
The new tenant will be taking over our location on July 31, 2026.
Our last day of service will be on Saturday July 25th.
If there is something that you would like to order before we close, please email me at cam@thesmoke.ca, and I will let you know.
This is bitter sweet for my wife and I, as we will miss the interactions with so many great people, and have a stop on losses and stress.
We wish everyone nothing but warm wishes, and by the way, TheSmoke brand and logo, with all of my recipes, techniques and smokers is still for sale. If you are interested, please reach out.
Cheers to all,
Chef Cam