Popular pizza maker Dino Ari has been forced to shut his newest location on Kipling Ave., citing poor business due to the pandemic virus.

Dino’s Pizza has been a staple in west-end Toronto for nearly two decades with restaurants in three locations, says the colourful and hard-working founder.

He will be closing his most recently-established restaurant at 871 Kipling Ave., which has a large dining space.

“It was a nice place, a good location for dine-in and a bar,” Ari told blogTO. “But unfortunately, we can’t always win.”

He says most customers were dine-in, with many who came to drink at the bar.

He took over the location about two months before COVID-19 swept in and it has been quiet since for all restaurants, many who now offer curbside pickup and delivery.

Ari says his other locations at 4923 Dundas St. W., and 820 The Queensway continue to prosper as demand for takeout remains high. And while he’s sad to see the new location go, he says he’s grateful to still be doing business at all.

The pizza maker has a long history and loyal following in the community. He is well-known for giving his time and pizza to many local charities: including those involving first responders and other essential workers.