It was late one evening in early April when Elisa DiGiambattista locked the doors at the Barkley Square restaurant for the last time.
After twenty-nine years owning and operating the culinary landmark on Yonge Street in Innisfil, DiGiambattista sold the restaurant and surrounding four and a half acres of land.
She has lupus and is retiring for health reasons in addition to losing her husband and co-restaurateur Phillip to cancer three years ago.
"It's been heartbreaking but the last night hit me like a ton of bricks. I just walked through each room and reminisced - every room, every little corner. And as I'm turning out the lights I just couldn't make myself leave," said DiGiambattista. "Twenty-nine years full of memories. It was like our first home. We brought up our family there."
Her only wish is that the new owners keep the name Barkley Square.
The restaurant and property were purchased by a Toronto doctor who wants to remain anonymous according to his realtor, friend and shareholder.
The man who prefers to be known only as Essy respects the restaurant's history and its well-known brand.
"It stays," Essy said emphatically of the Barkley Square moniker. "The restaurant stays. We're not going to tear it down."
The new owners were looking for an operator and Essy says there's been lots of interest.
"Lots of people want that place," he said. "We've been approached by ten people - even Tim Hortons called us."
Essy says Timmy's just wasn't the right fit with their vision for a refresh of the old English charm of Barkley Square.
"Make it into a nice looking bar and a restaurant. There will be music and a patio outside so that people at night in summertime can come and dance because there is no neighbourhood around to complain. We will have very nice food - almost the same."
Essy says they see the property having "fantastic, fantastic potential" as an investment due to housing developments planned for Innisfil.
The former owner, one of only about five over the many years, understands the restaurant might get a makeover because she and her husband also made changes when they bought it.
"It was still quaint. We made it cozier," said DiGiambattista. "We wanted that old English feel that you can't get anywhere else. Not too many places are like that nowadays."
After researching Barkley Square's history, she gleaned many interesting tidbits including the fact that the interior barn board came from the farm across the road.
"This place has a name," said Essy. "I'm very impressed with the name and people know this name. Customers know this name. When we were there (Wednesday) four or five cars stopped by to come in and eat. We had to tell them we are renovating."
Whatever the transformation, DiGiambattista's memories won't change.
"The customers to me were always the highlight. The privilege of someone walking in and saying wow this place is pretty."
The new owners want people to know that Barkley Square will continue its tradition as a welcome, comforting landmark on Yonge Street and a special occasion place.
But if Essy has his way, customers will be dancing under the stars on warm summer nights after a Barkley Square meal.
Barkley Square is expected to re-open in about two months with a new chef and a new operator.
