Saint John, New Brunswick, is preparing to bid farewell to a cherished institution as TOPS Eatery announces its impending closure. Despite the new owner’s efforts to preserve the diner’s legacy, the beloved establishment will serve its final meals on February 8, 2024, marking the end of an era for many loyal patrons.
A Legacy at Risk
Founded in 1989, TOPS Eatery has been a mainstay in uptown Saint John, treasured by generations of locals. The restaurant’s original owner, Paul Daeres, expressed his deep sorrow over the closure, admitting, “(I feel) sick, very, very sick. But I’m 80 years old. How long would I keep it?” His connection to the diner is profound, as it represents not just a business but a community gathering place.
Naveen Saboo, who acquired the diner in May 2024, described the decision to close as heart-wrenching. Despite his attempts to revitalise the business by maintaining the original menu and staff, he faced insurmountable financial challenges, with sales plummeting by 50 per cent, resulting in losses of approximately £250,000. Even his efforts to introduce Indian dishes were met with resistance from traditional customers. “I tried my best to keep the TOPS legacy,” Saboo lamented. “TOPS was (going to) close in April 2024. I just kept it on ICU. It’s time for me to remove the ventilator.”
A Surge of Nostalgia
In a bittersweet twist, Saboo noted that since the closure announcement, the diner has experienced its highest sales yet. “Even if I would’ve seen 50 per cent of what I saw now, believe me, I would’ve continued,” he reflected, wishing that the rush had come sooner.
Long-time employee Nancy Calloway, who has been a host at TOPS for over two decades, shared her personal connection to the diner. “My mother cooked pies here a long time. She has since passed on but they put it on the menu: Evelyn’s pie,” she recalled, highlighting the diner’s role as a family legacy.
Regular customers are also mourning the loss. John McNiven, a dedicated patron, shared his fond memories: “I’ll miss sitting in this booth and looking out the window and watching the world go by. I’ve spent many Saturday mornings here doing that. If I could have one of these booths to take home, I would love to have a booth from TOPS in my kitchen that I could sit at on a Saturday morning.”
New Beginnings
As one chapter closes, another begins. Saboo has confirmed that a new tenant is poised to take over the premises, with plans for a different restaurant concept to open in the same location. This transition reflects the ongoing evolution of the dining landscape in Saint John, even as the community grapples with the loss of a beloved eatery.
Why it Matters
The closure of TOPS Eatery underscores the fragility of small businesses in a challenging economic climate. As local favourites shut their doors, communities not only lose places of commerce but also the shared memories and connections that define them. The story of TOPS serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting local establishments, which are often the heart of their neighbourhoods.
