During the 1980s and 1990’s this was THE place to eat
I found this article from Jernalism– link here..
By Jernalism-2011 Abandonment Issues: Paros Island Restaurant
From outside, there are no obvious signs that fire and smoke damage have ravaged The Paros Island Restaurant in Perth, Ontario. According to an AGCO document, the restaurant had its license revoked and was shut down between November 1, 2006 and July 31, 2007. The infraction stated in the document was “Not financially responsible in conducting its business due to Retail Sales Tax Act – did not contest.”
I have not been able to ascertain when exactly the fire happened.
The fake plants and pink patterned love seat are still in decent condition in the front lobby. But directly ahead, the severely burnt coat check area leads back to the hostess and server’s station and the buffet, which appears to be the point of origin of the fire. Smoke damage was severe in the kitchen and in some dining areas. After an hour of exploring in utter silence, we simply stepped outside, holding hands, camera’s ’round our necks, shot the driver a pair of crooked smiles and walked away.
Dannette added:My mom worked at Patterson’s Restaurant in it’s hay day but, nobody went to dinner Christmas Eve because it wasn’t open Christmas Eve. Patterson’s was an old garage, the one dining room was built right over the grease pit but, that was before the environment agency became strict.
lindaseccaspina 
My guess is, if the owner could not pay his sales tax, then he probably did not have any insurance, and probably cannot afford to demo the building either. I bet if you checked with the Town of Perth, they would have more information. Of course, that is all just a guess….there are often several sides to any one story. Many people admire the restaurant and wonder what is going to happen to it.
LikeLike
Anyone who buys this property would have to have deep pockets considering the oil pit is still under the floor. The Environental people would make the new owners clean it up. I do believe this is the biggest reason nobody has bought this property .
LikeLiked by 1 person
agreed 100%
LikeLike
There are always two sides to a story..like the old stone church in Almonte:( NOt easy these days:(
LikeLike
My mom worked at Patterson’s Restaurant in it’s hay day but, nobody went to dinner Christmas Eve because it wasn’t open Christmas Eve. Patterson’s was an old garage the one dining room was built right over the grease pit but, that was before the environment agency became strict. if you wanted more information she could probably tell you.
LikeLike
Thank you.. I had so many people tell me they went there Christmas Eve so I will add this and correct it.. You should write her memories down and send them to me sav_77@yahoo and I will credit you.. thank you so much
LikeLike
It was such an awesome place to work! Such good work ethics and excellent quality food and service. Almost makes me cry how it was stripped down to nothing and destroyed!!
LikeLike
me too:(
LikeLike
I remember my mom working there and me standing in the window the day terry fox ran by the restaurant I think of that often even though I wasn’t very old then
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kathy for the memories
LikeLike
My parents, Don and Joan Smith were the chefs there. My dad worked there when he was a teenager and it was a gas station.
I grew up there with my sisters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Mom worked as a waitress there for something like 30 years, from when it was owned by Sandy Patterson. I worked there as a dishwasher when I was 15, back in the 80’s. Really appreciate this article. Knowing the place well, I found the photos haunting although very interesting. It still feels strange, surreal actually, to drive by and see it in the state it’s in, when it was such a booming place for so many years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree.. all we have now are memories:(
LikeLike
I believe Patterson’s was founded in the late sixties or early seventies by Rollie Doucette, who was also the owner of one of Ottawa’s top 3 restaurants, the Town and Country, located at Carling and Richmond Road. I worked at Ashton Press and several of us used to go there everyday for lunch. My boss at Ashton Press, John Taylor, was a true food connoisseur, and a friend of Rollie’s and advised him on menu items, etc. I had my stag party at the Town and Country in 1965. Rollie’s wife Dorothy lived at Waterside Residence in the last year or so, but I never got a chance to touch base with her.
LikeLike
Is this place haunted?
LikeLike
I have not heard anything about it.. sorry.:(
LikeLike
Drove by the old restaurant on November 19, 2019 and the building is gone! It must of been demolished just recently.
LikeLike