CLOSURE: Stunning restaurant in iconic church closes its doors in Ontario

A beautiful restaurant, venue and event space has just suddenly and immediately closed its doors permanently in the heart of an artistic community in Ontario.

Revival House functioned as a restaurant and event space with a garden patio. The place was housed inside an old church complete with a unique interior that essentially still looked almost exactly like a fully functioning church.

“For what feels like decades, this historic cathedral has served as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting countless weddings, unforgettable concerts, and everyday celebrations. The decision to close marks the end of an incredible era for the ownership, staff, and the local community. Operating Revival House has been an absolutely exciting ride. We have poured our hearts into this space, and we are incredibly proud of the role our team played in Stratford’s culinary and arts scenes,” reads a post on social media from Revival House.

“Closing a community restaurant is a deeply emotional process, but we leave with an era of beautiful memories and a profound sense of pride for what we built alongside our guests. The management extends its deepest gratitude to its dedicated staff, local musicians, partners, and loyal patrons who transformed a historic building into a lively gathering place. While the doors are closing, the spirit of celebration and community fostered within these walls will live on in the memories of all who stepped through them.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Revival House (@revivalhouse_on)

The post had racked up hundreds of likes within just an hour of being posted, and dozens of comments came flooding in on Instagram.

“Played some shows there. Saw some shows there. Arguably one of the best venues I’ve had a chance to be a part of. Thank you so much,” one person wrote in a comment on Instagram.

“So grateful we finally made the drive to eat here last year,” another person commented. “Wishing all the best to all of the staff this impacts.”

Fortunately, a new project is already taking over the space.

“Bijou will move to the historic church property at 70 Brunswick Street — most recently home to Revival House — where a thoughtful aesthetic, hospitality, and culinary revitalization is now underway under a new name: Bijou at the Church,” reads a social media post from Bijou.

“This new identity intentionally honours two deeply respected names in Stratford’s hospitality history — the beloved Bijou Restaurant, serving guests for the past 27 years, and the legendary Church Restaurant, remembered as one of the city’s most iconic dining destinations.”

Revival House is now permanently closed effective immediately.