A Côte Saint-Luc institution may be forced to close its doors for good by the end of October and I am wondering if there is anything we can do about it?
According to my sources, the landlord will not renew the lease of the Famous Delly Boys Restaurant on Westminster Avenue. There is even a potential new owner on the horizon, prepared to totally revamp the place. His attempts to meet with the landlord have thus far been rejected.
The Delly Boys was originally established in 1962 by brothers Guido (Chico) and Sonny Broccoli. It has changed hands several times over the past decade, but continues to be incredibly popular. I have virtually grown up in the place and thought of Côte Saint-Luc`s only full-scale restaurant closing its doors reluctantly after being in business for 53 years breaks my heart.
People still come from across the island to enjoy their extensive menu, which contains such items as smoked meat and other deli delights, club rolls, their famous party sandwiches, pizza, pizza burgers, chicken, veal, fish, steak, ribs, pasta, salads and desserts. Whether dining in, taking out or ordering a catered meal, you will never be disappointed. I was unable to reach the landlord, Olymbec, today but I will continue to pursue them.
I do indeed hope they have a change in heart. As for the potential new owner, I did ask him if there are other options to establish a CSL Deli. I always felt that the Cavendish Mall (now called Quartier Cavendish) would have been a better spot for them. In fact it almost happened after Pumperniks closed and its replacement Chilis turned out to be a bust. Some of the Mall owners had discussed a Delly Boys move, but the majority of the group opted in favor of a new concept called Sternz Rhapsody. It did not work, nor did its successor Jakes.
As the city councillor responsible for the Quartier Cavendish, I would love to play a role in bringing a full-scale restaurant there. But for the good of our community, I still favor the status quo where Delly Boys is right now.