Edmonton's Pharos Pizza to shine til June 2009

[felix the hound]

I called yesterday and was told they will stay open until June. Their Popeye pizza is a must try before they close. We are dining there tonight and having one on whole wheat .

[chewy_bakah]

GAK. So sad he's closing. What could be more "appropriate" than Pharoh's on that corner.

[Bryn]

That was the argument in the article. I think it was city palate? I dunno. Maybe in the Restaurants that are closing post.

[egon61]

No, he shouldn't close. He should work until he drops dead.

I realize the place has been a long-standing neighbourhood institution, but honestly I don't think all the facts are out here. If this business is as beloved & as profitable as everybody claims then you would assume that there would be a buyer lined up who would secure another appropriate location. I have a feeling everybody who's jumping on the "big bad property developer" is just looking for a scapegoat.

[chewy_bakah]

Well I didn't mean the guy should kick the bucket squeezing pizza dough. Just saying it's sad to see it go and that no one wants to continue with it. Whether you have a residential or commercial property Garneau is pretty expensive.

[bogie]

For me, this is good news! I am an ex-Edmontonian living in Toronto, now I might be able to experience their gloriously cheesy pies one more time. I have been going there since 1983, my first year at UofA.

[chewy_bakah]

but they've been there forever. Why are they closing?

[Bryn]

The building owners are redoing the building somehow and want more "Appropriate" to the area businesses. Whatever. He didn't want to sell his business so he just decided it was time to retire. I read this in a paper i think.

[felix the hound]

Alex, the owner , is 80 years old . When the lease came up and reportedly was increased four fold i assume he decided it was time. Pharos opened in 1970.

Alex said to a Journal reporter in 2008 that he'd like to see someone continue the Pharos name, perhaps as a group of restaurants offering only delivery and takeout, but he doesn't think it will happen.