CLOSURE: Popular fried chicken shop just announced closure in Toronto

A fried chicken shop that’s been popular with poultry fans in Toronto has just announced it’s shutting down its full-time brick-and-mortar operations.

Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken has been in business for seven years in Toronto, and it’s known for its unique style of fried chicken that blends Nashville hot flavours with Asian influences.

The food business took to social media to let everyone know it would be shifting gears in how it operates, and that the full-time shop will be shutting down.

“With our lease coming to an end and new personal opportunities ahead, we’re closing the doors at our full-time shop after seven amazing years in the kitchen. Running a food business in this city for nearly a decade has been incredibly rewarding, but it’s also no secret how demanding this industry can be and the toll it takes on your mind, body and soul as well as the amount of time it demands,” reads a post on social media from Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken.

“After some reflections, we’ve decided that between the shift in the economic landscape, the new opportunities presenting themselves, and the need to take care of our personal health, a 24/7 commitment to a brick and mortar no longer aligns with our current goals and future paths.”

The post goes on to say that while the Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken shop will be shutting its doors, the brand will continue by returning to its roots.

“After a break to reset and recharge and adapt to life outside the shop, we’ll be moving the brand back to the streets for exclusive pop-ups right where it all started,” the post reads.

“This shift will give us more flexibility to focus on new priorities, take care of our health, reclaim our time, and grow the brand through pop-ups and activations across the city, just as we’ve always envisioned.”

 

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A post shared by Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken (@tokyohotfriedchicken)

The post garnered over 150 likes and over 50 comments within just an hour of going live.

“Much love to you guys, it has been a journey but I’m sure not the end,” wrote neighbouring business The Night Baker. “Cheers to your next chapter!”

“I’m so looking forward to seeing you guys back on the streets at pops and venues showing you all much love and support,” one person commented. “And rest well! 7 years wow kudos!”

“This sucks,” someone else wrote in a comment. “But completely understand…the landscape for food right now is super hard for biz owners.” Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken replied, “Bringing it back to the streets where it all began and is full of energy and fun. We’ll see you soon.”