Changes are afoot at Pastis, the longstanding Rosedale bistro

The future of Rosedale restaurant Pastis is uncertain as new owners prepare to take over the space. Owner Georges Gurnon, who opened Pastis around 16 years ago, told us that the restaurant is up for sale, but that he hopes the name and concept will survive the change of ownership. “I don’t think it’s the end of Pastis,” he said, although he was vague about the details of the impending sale, including when the business will change hands.

As for Gurnon, he’s bowing out of the restaurant business once things are finalized. “I’m off to Florida,” he said. His retirement will be a blow to Toronto’s food scene. Veteran food critic Joanne Kates once deemed Pastis the best restaurant in the city, largely due to Gurnon’s talents as a host. The Globe’s Chris Nuttall-Smith concurred, calling Gurnon “the best FOH-man ever.”

While online rumours suggest that the restaurant may already be closed, it was still open when we called earlier this week. Stay tuned for updates.