Magnan's Tavern, known for roast beef and prime rib steaks, has announced it will be closing in December after 82 years in operation.
The restaurant was opened by Marie-Ange and Armand Magnan next to the Lachine Canal in 1932 and is still owned and operated by the Magnan family, however the Magnans say the restaurant is no longer earning enough money to warrant operating.
The family will continue to operate Boucherie Magnan Cuisine in the Quartier Dix30 mall in Brossard.
The owners say business at Magnan's Tavern began to slow down a decade ago, and they blame continual road construction near the Lachine Canal and on the Champlain Bridge.
They also say many customers who live on the South Shore grew frustrated with the continual detours which could add an hour to what used to be a ten-minute trip.
Magnan's says the high price of beef and competition from other restaurants contributed to the tavern's decline.
Owners told the restaurant's 65 employees of the decision to close on Tuesday morning.
"It's very bad, very sad for them," said Jean Paul Richard, who has spent 40 years working at the restaurant.
"A lot of employees have 35 years of service, 25 years of service" and will have difficulty finding new work said Richard.
He expects many will end up retiring but will have have very little to live on.
"You've got no pension, no nothing. That's the industry. It's bad but that's the way it goes," said Richard.
Magnan's last day in operation will be Dec. 21, 2014.
