Events in toronto: The top 30 deadpool in Toronto from 2014

Toronto deadpool As the year comes to a close, it's time to bid a fond (in most cases) farewell to some of the businesses that shut their doors in Toronto this year. Rising rents and tough times claimed numerous Toronto businesses this year; some had been open for decades, while others were just starting to find their feet.

Here's a roundup of some of the notable Toronto businesses that closed in 2014.

Scarpetta

The Italian restaurant at the Thompson Hotel shuttered in March and was promptly replacedby August with Colette Grand Cafe from The Chase Hospitality group.

Jilly's

The Queen and Broadview strip club shuttered in March; it's set to return to its old roots as the New Broadview Hotel, with a makeover courtesy of Streetcar Developments.

Neutral

For years, gothic and industrial types descended to this basement club, located at the northern edge of Kensington Market, for dancing, live tunes and karaoke. Neutral shut down in January after the owners announced the business was no longer sustainable.

Ursa

Shortly after its debut in 2012, this West Queen West restaurant earned raves from food critics for its health-focused ingredients and techniques - but the appetite waned for their fanciful dishes, and the owners pulled the plug in October.

Global Village Backpackers

The popular destination for backpack-toting travelers shut down abruptly in January, and the building - formerly the Spadina Hotel - was put up for sale over the summer.

Cookbook Store

After 31 years in Yorkville, this food-focused independent bookseller closed, due to become part of One Yorkville's redevelopment into condos. Luckily for Torontonian gourmands, the final chapter has yet to be written as the Cookbook Store lives on in a corner of All The Best Fine Foods.

Balisi

All of the local shoe chain's locations - including spots on the Danforth and Queen West, in Little Italy, and at Yonge and Eglinton - abruptly closed their doors in April of this year.

Fly Nightclub

The 15-year-old Church St. nightclub went under this year when condo pressure threatened to hike the establishment's rent. (Visitors still got to enjoy one final hurrah at Pride 2014.)

Penrose Fish & Chips

After 64 years in business, owners Dave and Rosemary Johnston of this beloved chippy on Mount Pleasant have retired.

Andy Poolhall

The decade-old retro lounge on College St., a longtime home for queer dance parties like Cherry Bomb, shut down over the summer; though the owners hinted at a possible second life for the club, there's been no visible movement since.

The Bickford Flexitarian

With the aim of accommodating vegetarians and meat eaters alike, it's a wonder that this Christie Pits-area spot with mass appeal didn't survive - but the Flexitarian closed its doors at the beginning of the summer.

Zorba's

Greektown institution, Zorba's called it quits this summer after 23 years at Danforth and Pape. Taking over the space, The Court Jester is moving in and dividing the space into a pub and a deli.

Strada 241

Lasting just under two years, this rustic Italian eatery focused on casual comfort foods closed its doors in Chinatown in July.

Theatrebooks

The long-running bookstore focused on the dramatic arts launched in 1975, and folded just two years after a big move to King and Spadina.

The Grove

While their reverential but refined take on British cuisine proved a hit with diners and critics alike, this innovative restaurant closed for business after almost three years in November.

Little Bean N Green

The "infant-friendly" cafe, which catered to Leslieville families with a play area and an in-house babysitting service, went under in October (much to the chagrin of local parents).

Fusia Dog

Globe trotting haute dogs are out and handheld Aussie meat pies are in at the corner of Duncan and Queen this niche hot dog outfit replaced by Kanga.

The Pie Shack
The location on Annette shuttered in April leaving but an empty shell in its prime corner lot.

Hammersmith's

After a respectable three-year run, this remodelled diner in East Chinatown has already replaced by the Saturday Dinette.

Big Daddy's DVD Shop

The Junction DVD shop was a favourite for its well-edited selection of film-buff classics, as well as its quirky vibe (thanks to a liberal smattering of robot statuettes and film projectors).

Ortolan

With Brockton Village booming in recent years, it's a shame this seasonally-driven eatery that opened in 2011 couldn't hang on just a little longer to see the neighbourhood's dining landscape mature.

Cake Opera Co.

The retail outlet for fanciful cakes and confections closed this year, and while sadly the bakeshop is no longer accepting orders, it's likely not the last we've heard of now-renowned owner and cake artist Alexandria Pellegrino, who's now taken her skill-set on the road.

Zocalo

The buzz about this locavore-friendly restaurant couldn't be sustained after the departure of opening chef, Joel MacMillan who branched off to open his own eatery, Me & Mine.

Brockton General

Opened in 2010, this pioneer of Dundas West's thriving dining scene earned much acclaim for its ever evolving menus though sadly it served its last supper in March of this year.

Remy's

The longstanding Yorkville restaurant closed its door this year only to reopen as Montage, a multi-story establishment featuring rooftop patio, member's only green room and first floor dining room.

Swish By Han

This Wellington restaurant from owners Leemo and Leeto Han is now closed, though the creative mashup up of Korean-American bar foods can still be found on Ossington at Oddseoul and upcoming venture, Han Moto opening in the new year.

Red Tea Box

The West Queen West fixture for fancy tea services and ornate confections closed this fall after 14 years in business.

Preloved

A West Queen West stalwart, this reconstructed-clothing company caved to rent pressure at the beginning of 2014, vacating their storefront opposite Trinity Bellwoods and moving online.

Huntsman Tavern

First Mitzi's, then Red Fish - the curse of this College St. address continues with the demise of the woodsy Huntsman Tavern, which lasted barely a year.

Aria Entertainment Complex

The massive Entertainment District mega-club (which really, really wanted you to think it was four separate clubs) lasted just over a year before closing over the summer.

Which businesses will you miss the most? Add your condolences to the comments.

Writing by Liora Ipsum and Natalia Manzocco. Photo of Remy's rooftop patio.