According to a listing on ICX.ca, Rock Lobster’s Leslieville outpost is for sale for $250,000. The space has a total capacity of nearly 200 patrons, 68 inside and 130 on its three patios. 

When I reached him by phone, Matt Dean Pettit, Rock Lobster’s chef and co-owner, took care to clarify that this location was opened as “a licensing deal, an unofficial franchise” with his good friend Mike Homewood. Apparently, Homewood wants to spend time focusing on his other businesses — including part ownership of nearby Boots ’n’ Bourbon and the Kee to Bala in cottage country.

Rock Lobster opened its first two locations, on Ossington and Queen West, in late 2012 and 2013. This one completed the trio and opened for the first time in 2014.

Matt Dean Pettit also clarified that the licensing deal would not automatically apply to the new owners, so chances are that they will have to come up with a new concept. 

This news comes just as it looked like Leslieville (and Queen East in general) was earning a spot on the location short list for new Toronto restaurateurs. For instance, Descendant opened there earlier this month and Boxcar Social chose it for its second location.

For Rock Lobster, expansion in the near term will focus on its retail brand. Their lobster mac ’n’ cheese is set to come to Sobey’s and Foodland stores in Ontario next month.