It’s small, offbeat and a bit out of the way, but Willie’s Cafe has drawn a loyal following for 33 years.

Now Ian Kennard, who has run the restaurant since 1996, has announced it will close Oct. 29.

Willie’s was opened in 1983 by Fred and Bonnie Williamson. Located on Wellington Street, just north of the CPR tracks and a block east of Richmond Row, it was more of a tea room in the beginning, serving sandwiches and baked goods, including some awe-inspiring cheesecakes.

Kennard and Kent Van Dyk, who were both working at The Horse and Hound (now Crossings Grill and Pub) in Hyde Park, took over the business from the Williamsons.

“We wanted something small, funky and interesting,” Kennard said.

Van Dyk left the business after eight years to become a culinary arts teacher in Ottawa.

Kennard wanted to build the catering side of the business and cut back to lunch hours only, with the exception of a once-a-month Friday dinner prepared by chef Gail Rains.

Rains has been the chef since 1996, preparing fresh, healthy local fare. There’s no deep fryer in Willie’s kitchen.

The cafe became a habitual lunch spot for many Old North residents, with the slogan “Walk over to Willie’s.”

After 20 years, Kennard says, it’s time to move on, but the catering side of the business will continue.

“It has been a spectacular 20 years, but it is now time for me to slow down,” Kennard said in a letter to his loyal customers.

Willie’s closing comes less than a year after The Toddle Inn, a few blocks to the north on Richmond Row, shut down after 68 years.

But both restaurant sites will be revived by new proprietors.

Renato’s, an Italian-themed restaurant, will open soon in the former Toddle Inn.

Kennard advised his customers that the Willie’s building has been leased to a “young, energetic and ambitious local chef and caterer.”

The building will be renovated over the winter and reopen in March, he said.

In the same area, just west of Richmond Row, the Talbot Street Whisky House recently closed. The yellow brick building at the corner of Talbot and Albert streets has housed several restaurants and bars over the last 20 years.

The Ceeps Tavern and Campus Hi-Fi are still the stalwarts of Richmond Row. The Ceeps traces its roots back to 1890 and Campus Hi-Fi opened in 1957.

hdaniszewski@postmedia.com

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