Oh Boy Burger Market to become new Paul Boehmer gastropub
Looks like even its famous Guinness ice cream float couldn’t keep Queen West’s Oh Boy Burger Market, er, afloat. The western-bar-meets-malt-shop by Joey McGuirk (Betty’s, Atlas Bar and Grill, Prohibition) closed its doors for good on Sunday.
Taking its place will be a new gastropub by chef Paul Boehmer who opened his own Böhmer restaurant last February on Ossington. He made a name for himself in the once-glorious kitchens of Opus and the Rosewater Supper Club. Boehmer had consulted for Oh Boy, and was the brain behind its thick, meaty AAA and prime ground chuck beef patties.
There is no official word from the Boehmer team about what the gastropub will be called, or when it will open, but Post City is reporting that it will carry the Boehmer name, offer a varied menu including some burgers, as well as “upscale eats and local brews.” We’ve got our fingers crossed for a spring or summer opening.
• Oh Boy Burger Market closing, to be replaced with a Boehmer gastropub [Post City Magazines]
Interesting that this place was rated by Amy Pataki as the best burger in Toronto.
Great concept but I think in the end the location was just not the right fit. Would have faired much better on College or in the Annex.
Good riddance.
I work around the corner, and the combination of hostile service, cafeteria atmosphere, and uninteresting product is clearly why they failed. Location has nothing to do with it – many restos in the area are doing just fine. If he “consulted” with them, then someone didn’t listen.
To see how it’s done, go up the street to the Burger Bar in Kensington or, a lesser degree, BQM at Spadina & Queen. They have hitched their wagons to craft beer and an eccentric menu.
Sounds like La Palette is going to have some competition.
Has anyone thought that maybe Toronto just has too many restaurants? In spite of magazines like Now bigging up every place with the most ridiculous hyperbole (Mr Nuttall-Smith I’m talking to you), seems to me that the paying public just doesn’t have the, well, appetite.
worst service ever!