New eatery to replace Wendel Clark’s in Hamilton’s Lister Block
Hogtown Smoke will be the third restaurant to open in the iconic heritage building since 2013
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A restaurant in Hamilton's Lister Block has closed, but a new eatery is already planning to take its place.
Wendel Clark's Classic Grill and Bar shut its doors for good at its location in the city-owned building at the corner of King William Street on restaurant row earlier this month.
"As of Dec. 8, Wendel Clark's Hamilton will cease to operate," says a letter posted to the door. "We would like to thank family, friends and the City of Hamilton for your support and patronage over the past few years."
A new restaurant — Hogtown Smoke — will take over the lease and open in that location once renovations are complete, according to the city.
This will be the third eatery to open in the iconic heritage building since 2013.
The closure of Wendel Clark's was a "business decision," Ray Kessler, city real estate manager, said in an emailed statement. He said their lease is in "good standing" with the city.
The current lease allows the tenant — Wendel Clark's — to assign the lease to another operator with the approval of the city, which is what is happening in this case, said David McCullagh, senior business development consultant of real estate, in an emailed statement.
The new tenant — a BBQ and wood-fire grill restaurant that will be dubbed Steeltown Smoke — operates other eateries in the Toronto area, Kessler said.
Details about their opening will be provided in the new year once renovations are complete, he said in a statement.
Hogtown Smoke operating partner Glen Tymchuk said the hope is to open by March 1 — if not earlier — once cosmetic renovations like signage are complete. This will be the restaurant's fourth location, but its first in Hamilton.