Slated to close, Hamie’s Diner gets one-month reprieve,
Popular eatery open until end of February
Hamie’s Diner on Beechwood Avenue, slated to close on Thursday, has received a one-month lease extension.
“It’s so sudden and surprising,” said Line Saikaley, who runs the popular neighbourhood spot with her husband Hamilton Saikaley.
“Minto is not taking over before March 1, so we can stay until the end of February.”
In business for 17 years, the 1950s-style diner was one of the last remaining businesses on a block razed by fire in 2011.
The developer, Minto Group, has bought the property together with the fire site.
It plans to turn Hamie’s into a sales office for an eight-storey condo building with ground-floor retail outlets.
Since news of Hamie’s closing, the 45-seat eatery has been “crazy” busy, says Line.
“A lot of new faces. People from the Glebe and Aylmer. And old faces. Today, I had two tables of people who came in to say goodbye.”
The couple plans to close the restaurant around Feb. 24 to allow time to clear out.
Known for good food and quick service, Hamie’s serves as a popular meeting place for locals from New Edinburgh, Lindenlea, Rockcliffe Park, Vanier, and Manor Park.