A nightclub and live music venue in Toronto from the people behind a much-loved restaurant has officially closed its doors.
In the four years since opening its doors to the party people of Parkdale, Sari Not Sari, a nightclub and entertainment venture by Justin Bella (of BB’s fame), has presented a lot of different faces. Sometimes all within the span of the same weekend.
A space, first and foremost, designed as a Filipino cultural hub, SNS, as it’s known for short, played host to a huge number of dance parties, live music performances, comedy shows, and even collaborations with fellow local brands like Ruru Baked over the course of its storied lifetime in the city.
Justin took over the space, which had previously been occupied by The Shop, in 2021, inheriting a space primed for entertainment that he went on to make into something entirely unique.
SNS’s almost evangelical following is a testament to his success in that regard.
Sometimes, even the best things in life just aren’t meant to last, and that appears to be the case of Sari Not Sari, which officially closed its doors after a final farewell party on Sunday, Feb. 23.
The closure was anything but sudden, however, with the SNS team taking to Instagram to announce the venue’s impending closure on Feb. 12.
“With a heavy heart, we announce the closing of Sari Not Sari,” the caption of the post reads. “It’s been an unforgettable journey filled with incredible memories, laughter, music, and the amazing energy you all brought every single night.”
The caption goes on to contain messages of thanks towards the bar’s devoted patrons, friends and family for their support and for “making this place a home away from home.”
It might not be goodbye forever to Sari Not Sari and its team, though.
The caption of the closure announcement also reads, “Who knows—this isn’t goodbye forever,” while a later post expressing gratitude for the venue’s team following the closure announces that “this isn’t goodbye – just a new beginning,” suggesting that followers stay tuned.
At the time of publication, Sari Not Sari has not responded to a request for further information on the details behind the closure or any news about future ventures, so, for now, we’ll have to wait and see what the team has up their sleeve.
Sari Not Sari was formerly located at 1566 Queen West.
