EXCLUSIVE: Boston Pizza reopening Nov. 26; work begins Monday Aug. 20

The inside of the Boston Pizza, seen here looking at where the front reception desk was and toward the far door out onto the balcony where the sports bar was, has been totally gutted.

 

 

 

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Four months after closing for the summer, MuskokaTODAY.com has learned that the Boston Pizza franchise here begins renovations Monday, Aug. 20.

And the popular pizza place is expected to reopen Nov. 26 “in time for the busy holiday season.”

Joanne Forrester, senior vice-president, operations, told TODAY: “We’re excited that construction begins on Monday with an expected timeline of 12 weeks.”

She said: “We plan to spend two weeks re-training staff with a projected re-opening on Nov. 26, in time for the busy holiday season.

“In partnership with our franchisee and the staff, we’re looking forward to showcasing our brand new design elements to the Gravenhurst community.”

The restaurant closed at the end of April and the building has been totally gutted.

Security guards have been parked out front since then.

In the meantime, many people in town and tourists turned away at the doors blocked by a bench  have been wondering when it will reopen.

To miss the busy — and profitable — summer season, then to reopen for the more quiet wintertime, seems perplexing.

Boston Pizza founder Jim Treliving left, dropped in on the Gravenhurst franchise at the Muskoka Wharf for some beer and pizza at some kind of hippie party two summers ago.

 

Water ski fans this past Wednesday enjoy the weekly Wharf show in front of Boston Pizza, which used to sponsor the show.