Restaurant posts emotional goodbye as it closes after 7 years in Toronto

A restaurant in Toronto has officially shut down after seven fruitful years, as its owners pen a heartfelt message to say goodbye.

Those in the market for authentic Turkish cuisine served lavishly found a new go-to back in 2017 when Scarborough spot, Barans, landed on the scene.

Serving up everything from bountiful kebab feasts to delicate mezze and Turkish cocktails, the restaurant, which featured opulent, long tables and an open-concept kitchen from which succulent scents of grilled meat and spices poured, quickly cemented a reputation as one of the city’s best Turkish restaurants.

Despite years of praise, devoted regulars and lively celebrations, however, the restaurant is proving, as many in the city are so apt to do, that every restaurant in Toronto has an expiration date, and Barans’ has officially arrived.

“Seven years ago, when we opened our doors in Toronto, our dream was not just to create a restaurant but to build a home filled with music, joy, and unforgettable flavours,” Barans owner, Baran Solmaz, writes in the caption of an Instagram post announcing the closure.

“Over the years, we’ve shared laughter, created lasting memories, and formed incredible friendships.”

He goes on to thank their guests, artists who’ve performed at the restaurant over the years and “everyone who supported us, shared their love, and gave their time,” during Barans’ seven-year run.

“However, as with every beautiful story, ours too must come to an end,” they state. “It’s time for us to set sail for new adventures.”

Baran tells blogTO that the decision to close the restaurant wasn’t due to a lack of business, but rather the decision to take a step back from the restaurant business at large.

“We opened our first location in 2000 and expanded with a second in 2017, both of which were successful and brought us immense joy,” he tells blogTO.

“However, the demanding nature of the industry—working 14-hour days for years—started to take a toll on us physically and mentally,” so, amplified by health concerns and the increasingly difficult economic situation in Canada, the decision was ultimately made to close down the business.

As for the future, don’t expect another location of Barans to pop up any time soon — instead, Baran tells blogTO, he’s taking on a new direction.

“We’re transitioning into agriculture and farming—a lifestyle that will keep us busy while allowing us to connect with nature and prioritize our well-being,” he says.

“We’re incredibly grateful for all the support from our community over the years, and while it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Barans, we’re excited about this next chapter.”

Barans was formerly located at 2043 Eglinton East.