‘Keep our stick on the ice’: Don Cherry’s Sports Grill in cottage country closes doors after decade

Co-owners of Don Cherry’s Sports Grill in Parry Sound, Ont. Alda Turner (L) and Tim Turner (R) pose with former NHL coach and broadcaster Don Cherry (M) at their franchise on Bowes Street. (Don Cherry's Parry Sound )

Don Cherry’s Sports Grill, a go-to stop for locals and cottagers alike, is serving up its final round of wings on Monday before permanently closing its doors in Parry Sound.

For many cottagers heading north, the restaurant became a familiar family stop. Since opening in 2016, Don Cherry’s has been owned and operated by Tim and Alda Turner, a Parry Sound couple who poured their soul into making the grill more than a place to eat.

The iconic franchise is named after Donald Stewart Cherry, a Canadian former hockey player, coach, and television commentator. Cherry was a partner in the operation and later licensed his name to the chain. Today, there are several locations still standing across Canada.

“It’s been a wonderful time,” owner Tim Turner said to CTV News on Sunday, reflecting on the past decade in business. “We’ve made so many amazing friends and great relationships,” he said.

Turner has been a Parry Sound resident for over 30 years, and he considers this town his home. Cherry himself even stopped by the restaurant a couple of years ago to pay family and staff a special visit.

The decision to close the restaurant wasn’t their own. The Turners said that their lease is ending and the property owner plans to renovate the building to accommodate a dental office.

To mark the send-off on Monday, Don Cherry’s is offering wing specials and other deals as a way to thank loyal diners who’ve joined them at their Bowes Street location.

In a social media message, the Turners thanked both their customers and their staff, describing them as the “backbone” of the business.

“We are sad and happy,” the owners shared in a social media post. “We’ve enjoyed serving the Town of Parry Sound and surrounding area, but most of all, serving you and your guests.”

The couple says they will be staying in the area and hope to keep seeing familiar faces around the town. Alda adding that she’s hoping to look for a new part-time job. “Stop in before Monday, share a memory, or just say hello,” Tim said.

The couple is still uncertain about their future but say they will always treasure the memories of the past. “Till, we meet again, keep our stick on the ice,” the Turners said.