A south-end Barrie restaurant, which was at the forefront of the COVID-19 lockdown debate during the pandemic in 2021, has closed its doors.
Simmering Kettle, located on Bryne Drive near Commerce Park Drive, posted a notice to customers on social media on Feb. 24 announcing the closure on March 2.
“Thanks for the memories, Barrie. We are honoured to have served you,” the post read.
The restaurant had been serving customers since its opening in October 2015.
The owner, Shalu Persaud, declined to comment about the closure.
There was no reason given on social media as to why she decided to close its doors for good.
Persaud attracted controversy during the pandemic when she continued with in-house dining at the restaurant, going against the provincial government’s stay-at-home order that went into effect April 8, 2021.
She was served several notices and was fined numerous times by the city over the issue.
Persaud was front and centre during that time for flouting the lockdown measures and allowing diners to eat in the restaurant. Bowing to public pressure, she reverted to takeout soon after.
“Thank you so much for the many great meals and such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere,” one customer commented on the post. “I’m so proud of your stand to stay open during COVID and for a place to go during that time and when you had Tamara Lich come for her book signing.”
Lich, one of the Freedom Convoy organizers, faces a court verdict this month in the criminal trial.
Lich, along with others, are co-accused of mischief, intimidation and counselling people to break the law for their roles in a 2022 demonstration in Ottawa that blocked streets and angered local residents.
Another commenter wrote, “One amongst the few that was a beacon of truth, freedom and friendship during a time where (Simmering Kettle) stood strong and fought so hard for so many years. What a thing to be so proud of. Ohhh and the delicious food of course!”
The restaurateur managed to endure the pandemic lockdowns and said at the time she would persevere.
“You’ve got to keep your spirit up no matter what life throws at you,” she told BarrieToday from the eatery in 2021.