Landmark Hamilton restaurant announces its closure again, maybe

Just a few weeks ago, the Black Forest Inn raised hopes of a loyal clientele, but now its operators say they won’t reopen.

The Hamilton landmark, which has stood at 255 King Stree East for 55 years, remains shuttered — and this time apparently for good — after owners say plans to reopen the recently closed restaurant have fallen through.

A message on Facebook explains the circumstances.

“Dear everyone,” the message reads. “It is with great regret that we announce the permanent closure of the Black Forest Inn due to unforeseen financial challenges.”

The past few months have been a confusing time for the beleaguered restaurant as it went through a series of openings and closings due to financial issues.

Early in September, it was announced that the Black Forest was closing permanently only to be resurrected a few weeks later when a new group said it would be saved.

The plan was to open last week for take out and delivery.

That didn’t happen.

This time problems arose with payment terminals, delivery platforms like Skip The Dishes and UberEats, and other issues not disclosed.

But it all came to an end with the notice posted late last night (Oct. 8).

“Despite our best efforts to bring back the establishment you’ve cherished for the past 55 years, we are unable to move forward at this time.”

Specializing in traditional German and Austrian food, the restaurant has been a downtown fixture since the late 1960s but ownership has changed hands several times over the years. The operators that planned on closing the restaurant in September went into receivership and it is believed a new group was planning the comeback.

But comeback is the keyword and permanent, as we have seen, might not really mean permanent.

The farewell message on Facebook did suggest a return is not out of the question.

“If circumstances change and we are able to reopen in the future, we will share the news through our social media channels,” the post reads. “We kindly ask for your understanding, as this is a difficult time for all our staff and management. Thank you for your support.”

Stayed tunned.