What Happened to the Organ Grinder?

The Organ Grinder was Toronto's most unforgettable restaurant. From 1975 to 1996, this unique "musical pizza" palace at 58 Esplanade entertained thousands of Toronto kids with its massive Wurlitzer pipe organ, silent films, arcade games, and endless birthday parties. It was the only restaurant of its kind in all of Canada. But in 1996, after 21 years, the Organ Grinder closed its doors forever. The mighty Wurlitzer was sold and shipped to New Hampshire. The arcade games were auctioned off. And an entire generation of Torontonians was left with only memories. This is the complete story of the Organ Grinder: why it was built, how it became Toronto's ultimate birthday party destination, and why it ultimately closed. If you grew up in Toronto in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, you remember the Organ Grinder. This video tells the full story of this lost Toronto landmark. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 0:54 - Part 1: A Sound Idea 3:55 - Part 2: A Hit in Toronto 7:01 - Part 3: The Fade Out 9:52 - Part 4: Playing from Memory SOUNDTRACK: The soundtrack of this video includes original pieces performed and recorded on the Mighty Wurlitzer at the Organ Grinder. The full pieces are available in the link below. https://www.youtube.com/@remasteredgems749 #Toronto #TorontoHistory #LostToronto #Nostalgia #1990s #1980s #OrganGrinder #TorontoRestaurants #CanadianHistory