McCabe’s pub in Kitchener closed for business

A popular pub in downtown Kitchener closed its doors Saturday. Staff at McCabe’s Irish Pub and Grill posted a sign on the front door that stated Dec. 16 was the pub’s last day and invited the public to come in to celebrate.

On Monday, the sign was gone, the lights inside were shut off and tables were left empty. The restaurant’s owners have yet to respond to a request made by CityNews Kitchener for comment.

Local patrons of the restaurant were left clueless as to why the restaurant had to close.

Mike Muller was about to head inside during his lunch break when he noticed the empty restaurant on Monday afternoon. Muller has been going to McCabe’s for over 10 years and had no idea they were about to close.

“I’ve been here a handful of times and I noticed it on Facebook actually the other day, and they just said come down for the last drink, we’re closing,” said Muller.

Muller was shocked to learn it closed on Saturday.

“It is sad to see a place that’s been there so long get swept under the rug.”

The rooftop patio at McCabe’s Irish Pub and Grill on King Street was a favourite of patrons like Muller. He added that downtown Kitchener has been changing a lot lately, with more construction and new buildings changing the way it looks.

“It’s been happening a lot around here lately, which people are not overly excited about. It’s the old Kitchener vibe, people can feel it changing and they’re a little concerned about that,” added Muller.

With Christmas just a week away, Muller said he’s worried about the staff at McCabe’s being let go right before the holidays.