5 biggest restaurant closures of 2021 in Mississauga

We recently listed out some of the biggest restaurant openings in 2021, but now it’s time to take a more solemn look at the flip side of that coin: The restaurants that closed down this year in Mississauga.

We had to say goodbye to a few of our favourite eateries, whether they were smaller, independent restaurants or part of a big chain doing some restructuring.

These were the five biggest restaurant closures, as decided by our readers:

5. Muddy Duck

The Muddy Duck restaurant, a mainstay in east Mississauga for more than four decades, closed its doors for good in November.

The family-oriented eatery — known for its buffet meals and hosting group functions — first opened in 1978 and had been a popular spot for many Mississaugans, and those outside the city as well.

Located on Dundas St. E., just west of the Toronto border, the Muddy Duck served up comfort foods like soups, sandwiches, pasta, souvlaki, schnitzel and an all-you-can-eat-breakfast that proved to be a big draw for customers over the years.

4. Multiple Starbucks locations

2021 was not a great year for Starbucks lovers, with several of the massive coffee chain’s Mississauga locations closing down. One of the most notable closures was the location at Square One’s food court.

In 2020, the Seattle-based chain said it was restructuring its company-operated business in Canada under a two-year plan, with plans to close up to 200 coffee shops across Canada.

Starbucks also closed its locations at Streetsville (242 Queen St S), Hurontario and Britannia (6020 Hurontario St), and inside Erin Mills Town Centre.

3. Kravingz

Kravingz, a popular brunch spot located in Clarkson, was another one of 2021’s casualties.

The restaurant was most well known for its made-from-scratch, multicultural menu and its modern interior, which helped it regularly land a spot on Insauga’s Top 5 Hottest Restaurants, Top 5 Brunch Spots, and Top 5 Chicken and Waffles.

2. Canyon Creek

Back in January, popular steakhouse Canyon Creek announced that it would be permanently closing its doors at two locations in the GTA — at Square One and in Scarborough.

The steakhouse had been a fixture at Square One for more than 15 years.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered our environment and put a great deal of stress on many businesses including our own,” said the restaurant owners, citing “current economic conditions and uncertain future” as their reasons for closing.

1. Mondello Ristorante

It came as a sad shock to many when beloved Streetsville restaurant Mondello Ristorante announced its permanent closure in April.

The Italian eatery, which had been around for over a decade, announced that it would close its doors permanently due to the new lockdown restrictions that the province was implementing at that time.

“We would like to take this time to thank all our suppliers, alumni staff, present staff, family, friends and of course all our loyal customers over the years. It’s been a great run and we hope you all stay safe,” said the Mondello team.

Which restaurant were you the saddest to see go this year?

RELATED: Top 5 biggest restaurant openings of 2021 in Mississauga