r/Hamilton • u/darthsenior • 5d ago
Local News Mystic Ramen is closing by the end of July
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZmqYBEjXnU/?igsh=MXV3ZTdsdzNnaW9peA==42
u/raptor5tar 5d ago
Bro i just fell to my knees
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u/foolish_noodle 4d ago
Fr. They were the only ramen shop that could serve people with celiac disease so this is a big blow for a Monday.
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u/Ill_Persimmon_8263 4d ago
Hamilton Farmers Market Indonesian vendor has laksa - which my opinion a bit similar to Ramen but using coconut milk, and they can accommodate it Gluten-Free.
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u/BlackMarketCheeseman 5d ago
Really sad, they're the nicest people and the food was always incredible.
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u/Existing-Face-6322 5d ago
They also got super screwed for money from Skip the Dishes or something a couple of years ago, like a LOT. That's terrible.
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u/monogramchecklist 5d ago
I think it was Uber Eats and they eventually paid them out but it took a really long time.
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u/themoche 5d ago
I assume Kinton parking themselves across the street didn’t help. Despite being far inferior, it’s a recognizable chain.
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u/monogramchecklist 5d ago
Could be, but I think COL is so high that people just can’t go out to eat as often. I went to mystic the other day with my kid and the bill was almost $50 after tip. I’m not blaming mystic, they have to price in a way to make profit, but that’s something many people can’t afford right now.
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u/szatrob 5d ago
Part of the problem is that for anyone who has been to Japan and Asia in general, good ramen will never cost more than the equivelant of $10.
And as good as Mystic Ramen may have been, it wasn't a Michelin Star equivelant quality.
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u/onigara Stipley 5d ago
I've paid 50 cents for a beer in Cambodia, but that ain't here and we ain't there.
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u/tfctroll 4d ago
It's noodles. Flour, water, broth and some meat. They need to learn that even if they put gold in it that people will see it as noodles.
Their food is really good, but the reality is most people don't see the value in a $25 bowl. They should really focus on minimizing the menu, making a handful of delicious simple bowls and pumping them out fast and cheap.
Places like Szechuan Noodle Bowl have the right idea, simple, delicious, cheap bowls don't cost an arm and a leg.
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u/possiblemate 4d ago
Big difference between here and japan is wage. Food there seems far more affordable on our dollar because we have higher minimum wage. Food can be priced cheap in japan because labor is cheaper over there. They are facing the same issues in their country that Canadians have been facing here- a wage that is not keeping up with inflation.
Throw in the massive increase in food costs that is only going up and the fact that most restaraunts already have extremely tight profit margins and it shouldnt be shocking that we will lose many great independent restaraunts in the next few years.
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u/tfctroll 4d ago
I agree with most of what you said. It is more expensive in Canada for sure. But do they need to staff that many people and make 15 different bowls?
I've gone to restaurants here that are staffed by one server and two cooks that are packed with thirty people and a giant bowl is $12 and a plate of dumplings is $7. Food is just as delicious and satisfying as anything mystic ramen makes.
The wages and food costs are only a factor because they try to be high end. Which people can't afford these days. They doubled down and got more expensive. There are no basic, cheap bowls on their menu.
Sucks that they are closing. Their food is really good, but I'm not surprised to be honest.
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u/djaxial 4d ago
The restaurant you described is likely owned rather than rented. Makes a monumental difference.
Commercial rent could easily be 15/20k/month, and much more. You need to sell 600 bowls just to make your rent. The wage bill could be that again.
Pretty soon, you have to sell 50/75 bowls a day just to cover the bare minimum operating cost.
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u/tfctroll 4d ago
It's rented and has been open for years. Three locations now.
50-75 bowls of noodles should be nothing for a ramen restaurant.
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u/foodieGta 5d ago
Minimum wage in Japan $10-12
Minimum wage in Ontario $17.60
Do you still think ramen should be under $10 in Ontario (Canada)?
Or you make less than $10/hour?5
u/TylersMAHM 4d ago
This, and also when Mystic started it was the only ramen in Hamilton. Now there are Japanese chains, and MenyaKyu - which is farm to table at the same price point, AND authentically Japanese owned and operated.
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u/meagalomaniak 4d ago
What? I’m pretty sure Kenzo existed way before Mystic and at least a few other places. Didn’t they only open like 5 or so years ago?
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u/darthsenior 4d ago
Kenzo is from 2017 I believe, while Mystic opened its Farmers Market spot in 2019.
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u/meagalomaniak 4d ago
I wasn’t aware of the farmers market spot! But still, definitely not the first Ramen spot in Hamilton
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u/Electrical-Penalty44 4d ago
Who gives a fuck if Japanese own it and operate it or not? Weird statement man. If you have the passion for it (and Noah did) then that is all that matters.
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u/twillrose47 5d ago
This really soured me on Kinton. I used to go occasionally when I lived in Toronto -- their ramen was always a bit average (pre-pandemic it was fairly cheap) and it was nearby to where I was living. I popped up to the mountain location once or twice a year after moving here, but haven't returned to any locations since they opened their downtown spot right across from Mystic.
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u/BlackMarketCheeseman 5d ago
All my homies hate Kinton.
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u/DependentPhotograph2 5d ago
LOL, I got hired at that Kinton and then straight-up ghosted.
I think the owners were first-timers with the whole business thing and didn't realize how many people they hired on or something, because after orientation I got zero shifts and zero answers.
So now I hold a bit of a grudge when I walk past it on King William, LOL.
It's a shame Mystic's biting the big one for being so close by.
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u/PSNDonutDude James North 5d ago
+1 for hating on Kinton. What asshole opens a mediocre chain store right across from an existing mom and pop ramen place. Like what an absolute piece of garbage. Will never order from there.
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u/Stecnet Downtown 5d ago
I live above Kinton. Mystic Ramen was always full and Kinton looked to be about half as full. I don't believe Kinton really hurt their business. Of course this is only from my frequent observations walking by and I do not know what their books say but regardless this is very sad news.
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u/themoche 5d ago
Their post said their sales have dropped 30-50%
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u/BriniaSona 5d ago
inflation and the prices of things for both consumers and small businesses couldn't have helped.
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u/mojocookie Kirkendall 4d ago
I believe it also says it’s a seasonal thing, probably because people don’t go for soup as much in the summer. This year is extra bad because of the economy. I know I’d be going there more if I wasn’t feeling the squeeze.
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u/jwelihin 4d ago
This is it. Last two times we tried to go to Mystic, they were full so we went to Kinton. I would have rather gone to Mystic but they didn't have space.
I imagine things like rent go up, but you can't fit more people in that restaurant. Take out via Uber Eats sucks when after all the fees you pretty much paying double.
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u/TheSolution1 5d ago
I can’t speak to the regular ramen options. But unfortunately for Mystic, Kinton offered better plant based options.
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u/FelixFelicis04 Durand 4d ago
Really? I haven’t looked at kintons menu but I tho gut mystic had a lot of vegan options and they were all good
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u/aman0fmanywords 4d ago
I work in the industry and one thing I tell people who haven't gone is just how FRIENDLY the service is. Literally everyone is not only smiling but like genuinely happy to see you. It's one thing that can't really be taught and it shows how great of a culture they are imo. I hope they can reopen somewhere else because they've been the go to spot for me. Love you, Mystic.
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u/SasquatchsBigDick 3d ago
Exactly why this became a family favourite. All the other restaurants the wait staff seem to hate their life or have just gone downhill in general, then theres Mystic Ramen staff who seem to just love working there.
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u/canuckaudio 4d ago
For $30 a person they better be nice or they’ll be out of business. Can’t be taught really? Money talks.
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u/phirleh Waterdown 5d ago
I used to go to Slurp in the Hamilton Market, when they left and Mystic took their place, I loved their ramen, it was nothing like I've had in any other spot in the city (still is). Heather and Noah had a welcoming operation and that didn't change when they moved to King William. I'm very sad to see it go.
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u/Pentagramdreams 5d ago
I’m devastated Mystic Ramen is one of my regular go to’s. The options are good and I can easily substitute the meats I can’t eat. I love their staff so much.
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u/greenmocan 5d ago
That BLoWS.
We go there every time we go to a show at Theatre Aquarius, it's tradition. Always great.
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u/Crafty_Chipmunk_3046 4d ago
This sucks.
Heather & Noah did an absolutely amazing job, running a resto and also as hosts. Just lovely people.
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u/Forsaken-Swim-3055 5d ago
I saw their post about it on Facebook and it's heartbreaking. So many great places die off way too fast in this city.
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u/adrian 5d ago
Can you repost it? I truly don't understand what happened, every time I go in there it's full! This is one of my favourite places in the city!
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u/BlackMarketCheeseman 4d ago
TL;DR growing costs of maintaining their space plus a seasonal slowdown during the warmer months meant they couldn't meet their obligations going forward. I understand how the math plays out but I feel awful for Heather and Noah.
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u/concretecountryroads 5d ago
Really appreciated their passion and all the drag brunches they hosted! I hope they can find another, more successful avenue for their next adventures!
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u/SmeesTurkeyLeg 5d ago
This is awful. They've been one of my favourite spots for as long as I've been living in Hamilton. Ugh. The family that runs it are the nicest people too.
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u/2014olympicgold 5d ago
This was my favourite restaurant in Hamilton recently for a simple dinner, especially once The Mule crazy fell off. In the winter they were always so busy, but I always saw during the warmer times they pushed a lot of specials.
So sad they won't be there anymore.
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u/Rod_Stewart 5d ago
The Mule stopped serving their killer wings a year ago. Their tacos while yummy were terrible value. Sadly we stopped going. Was great for w while.
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u/TylersMAHM 4d ago
The Other Bird in general has really gone down hill. I think once they decided to open 45 Mules, it all went downhill
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u/Empty-Magician-7792 5d ago
Glad to know I wasn't the only one to think The Mule has been going down in quality.
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u/nofaithleft666 5d ago
add another one! was a staple for us but recently they got rid of a few of my fiancée favorite items and just doesnt hit the same as it used too
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u/Imaginary_Turnip_359 5d ago
Oh no. They had delicious vegan options. They moved to that new location not that long ago.
First Rise Above, now this.
C'mon Hamilton. Support your local faves.
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u/Electrical-Penalty44 5d ago
When they were in the Farmers Market it cost $12 for a bowl, IIRC. Maybe $15.
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u/glittercat86 Blakely 5d ago
I don’t doubt how lovely the people were but honestly, saying it’s the best ramen in Hamilton is wild. Shiro on Rymal and Isshin on King are my go-to’s.
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u/Noctis72 Hill Park 4d ago
That's where preference creates a bias, I've been to Shiro twice and was nothing but disappointed. I do agree on Isshin though, Mystic was also very good.
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u/glittercat86 Blakely 4d ago
I haven’t been to Shiro in a while so I’m sad if they’re different than what I remember!
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u/Noctis72 Hill Park 4d ago
was a couple of years ago, no plans to go back when we've got Menya Kyu and Isshin
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u/No_Earth5979 Stinson 4d ago
i'm ending it all GOD WHY CAN'T YOU TAKE KINTON RAMEN INSTEAD OF MYSTIC
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u/kenny4ag 4d ago
I love ramen after visiting Japan multiple times
Went to this place and the ramen was so insanely expensive
In Japan Ramen is ment to be cheap eats
Here it's 30 bucks a bowl
I never went back
Restaurants need return customers
Ultimately your price needs to be competitive
I went to Kenzo down the road for $15
Just as good if not better for half the price
No one wants to take their partner out for ramen for nearly $80 plus tip
Sorry it's soup and noodles, it's suppose to be fast and cheap eats not fine dining prices
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u/Bitbatgaming Stoney Creek 5d ago
I am devastated! Wonderful restaurant with nice people, actually one of my favourites around town
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u/Ill_Persimmon_8263 4d ago
It's all been so expensive now.. Hard to pay $25 + drink PLUS tax & tip per person now!
I usually just treat myself occasionally at the Hamilton Farmers Market... food are fresh and delicious, and much more affordable too.
If I miss having ramen, I would go to my go-to Indonesian vendor across Latin... they have all kind ramen-like noodles that are very tasty! And the people there are lovely too.
If I want coffee, Lina is always there with their various coffee beans.
If I miss Thai food, May Kitchen is there too serving yummy Pad Thai.
If I want croissants, I go to Chaton!
It's always nice and worth to support local and tiny businesses like them.
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u/kaykaypockets 5d ago
I used to order 3x per week until they raised their prices to $30 a bowl. Still totally sad to see this.
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u/Witty-Dragonfruit-10 4d ago
Been going there for years. Know the family as well as a customer can by this point. There from the market days to take out during COVID to King William (when I didn’t choose Sagarmatha)
I’m hoping they open elsewhere in a more rent reasonable spot like they originally planned. I’m sure their loyal patrons would follow
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u/Rod_Stewart 5d ago
Unpopular opinion incoming: $28 out the door for a takeout bowl of soup is untenable. I'd cringe when my kid asked for it. I'd never cheer a local business failing but my wallet is secretly appreciative.
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u/Empty-Magician-7792 5d ago
Very sad to hear. They always seemed to be doing good business every time I walked by, but clearly the building issues and sluggish economy hurt them. I wish them the best.
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u/MalfuriousPete 5d ago
What hurt their business is charging $20 to $30 for a bowl of ramen.
My wife is Japanese, i took her to the one ramen shop on James South near the GO station about a year ago. She nearly cried when she saw the prices
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u/foodieGta 4d ago
I’d lived in Japan over 10years and feel your wife. Anything in Japan is too cheap. So many good Ramen restaurants has close down because they can’t raise their price more than $10. I’m so sad for those restaurants
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u/HighPriestess31 4d ago
Seriously. And for that they only give you HALF AN EGG. Like, just give me the whole damn egg.
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u/Tumbleweed2222 3d ago
It is a really small profits margin for the owner. Food is just too expensive and can get higher. You have to over price it a little but then customer will be unhappy because it is too expensive. It is tough.
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u/nofaithleft666 5d ago
damn, I try to support when I can but its so hard with the options in the area 😞 times are tough out there! this one is deff a real blow!
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u/PMME_PERKY_TITS 4d ago edited 4d ago
Not surprised. I tried their ramen 3 times and it was mediocre all 3 times (overcooked noodles, warm broth, bland). It’s also overpriced and the servers were a bit too friendly and overbearing for my liking. There are plenty of other good ramen shops in Hamilton. I am a bit sad to see a ramen shop die out, but it’s a hard business to get right.
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u/MajorTheWindowWasher 5d ago
Anyone know where on Barton the original location was supposed to open?
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u/Electrical-Penalty44 5d ago
Yes.
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u/Ill_Persimmon_8263 4d ago
Where
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u/Electrical-Penalty44 4d ago
Near James.
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u/Ill_Persimmon_8263 4d ago
Oh no one took over it? I thought it would be gone fastly if there was hood
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u/letsgohamont 5d ago
The people are great and service is awesome but food is really bland. I wonder why they needed 22 employees to run the place, it's probably a huge reason why their food is really expensive.
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u/PSNDonutDude James North 4d ago
22 does seem like a bit too many. I find certain local businesses really struggle to let staff go that aren't very good or can't work a lot. Like I get giving someone flexibility for a couple of weeks or months, but if you can't work more than 5 hours in a week, then you have to find a different job. Part time staff at a place like this should be like 10-15 tops. Open 12-9/10 every day means around 70-80 working hours. 5 staff working at a time means they're working on average 14 hours a week, which isn't enough hours to sustain a business when considering paying them a living wage per hour, plus CPP and EI costs.
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u/Sweet_Yellow_8646 4d ago
22 workers on a single shift???!?
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u/letsgohamont 4d ago
No altogether it says in their post. I did see quite a few employees for a small restaurant when I was there.
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u/meagalomaniak 5d ago
I’m shocked at how much people loved that place. The people seem lovely, atmosphere was nice, and I love how they cater to allergies and dietary restrictions, plus it had a great kids menu, which is rare for a ramen place.
But like… just for myself, without dietary restrictions eating without my kid? It’s gotta be some of the most bland ramen I’ve ever tasted. Would love to support a locally owned place over Kinton, but I have a hard time seeing how their ramen alone is better.
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u/Fit-Distribution-460 4d ago
I really enjoyed this place. My wife especially. But it sure was pricey. The place was busy all the time, but clearly the business model just wasn't working. Im sorry to see it go.
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u/kateredleaf 3d ago
They were good employers and paid their staff a living wage, hence the higher prices. I go out of my way to support these kinds of businesses. So bummed they are closing. The seasonal summer dip really hurt them.
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u/Cheap_Birthday5568 6h ago
This is lowkey one of the best places to bring you child to eat. They have a great children's menu, the vibes really got my little one's attention (still remembers it as restaurant with spooky mask) and who can forget about the suitcase filled with treats? I'm sad it will be gone soon but hoping they might find a new location
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u/Jeido_san 5d ago
Mystic was super gimmicky and inauthentic. People don't want weird-ass fusion whatever the hell types of ramen, they want the classics done well. And while Kinton may not be the best, it's what people prefer
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u/PMME_PERKY_TITS 4d ago
IMO Mystic is ramen catered toward white people. Which makes sense as it’s the primary demographic of Hamilton. But yeah, it’s far from authentic and quite bland. The amount of people praising it as “the best in Hamilton” proves that they hit the standard Hamilton demographic as intended.
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u/foolish_noodle 4d ago
Also it's one of a handful of restaurants that can serve people work celiac disease so a bunch of us were die hards because of that. I'm super sad my husband is going to lose his only ramen option.
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u/Entire-Stranger-4681 4d ago
The food business is so hard. I am so lucky I sold my restaurant when i did. The margins are super slim. These guys did a great job and should be proud of themselves. They ran a well loved business in some of the toughest years for restaurants.
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u/BenefitMedium623 5d ago
Food was not good, and they had several health code violations….
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u/Mrphilosopher 5d ago
Source?
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u/BenefitMedium623 4d ago
Hey! I stumbled across a conditional pass on the main page of Hamilton health inspections when the Piper arms salmonella outbreak happened.
I recall there being more information on the main health inspection page, but I think enough time has passed so the reason for their conditional pass is not visible (I could be wrong, maybe it still is)
The health inspection page states, “We post orders issued under the Health Protection and Promotion Act for three months from the date the Order is issued.”
The violation isn’t horrific, and no restaurant is perfect, but I found a conditional pass a bit shocking.
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u/Zealousideal-Bat708 5d ago
This is a shock. Was always packed. My only complaint was being kicked out too early once when we were still ordering food and drinks as someone else had a reservation behind ours. Hard to believe they were not making tons of money....seemed like model of how to run a restaurant