Every booth was packed at the Mayflower Restaurant and Pub on Elgin Street Sunday as the popular eatery prepared to close its doors after 35 years in business.
“It's a sad day but it's also rewarding because so many people are coming up and saying what the Mayflower has meant to them over the years and how much they've appreciated us over the years," said Bob Jones, who has been the general manager for 24 years.
“I think it's just the best breakfast in Ottawa. It's always packed, it's always popular, it's kind of sad to see it go,” said Jason Pelletier.
“I'm going to miss just such a really good atmosphere, it's a neighbourhood hangout where we've been coming for the last seven years or so,” said Melanie Yugo.
Tim Chorney has been having breakfast at the Mayflower once a week for the last 10 years.
“I get the same thing every week, eggs scrambled, bacon soft, pumpernickel toast and an orange juice,” he said. “It's a nice, comfortable place to go. Everybody's very friendly.”
Aside from the food, many customers said they will miss the staff who often knew their names and orders.
“The staff are great, they get to know your lives and ask stuff that's going on in your life and we got to know them so it's really, really sad,” said Christa Blaszczyk.
As for why the restaurant was closing after more than three decades, staff would only say that it had to do with lease negotiations.
With a report from CTV’s Katie Griffin
