Bistro on Avenue founder and the “Louis” of St. Louis Wings Louis Nemes has removed the Rob Ford articles and memorabilia from his well-known restaurant. In 2010, Nemes was an influencial voice in the small business community when he endorsed the embattled mayor during his campaign.

Nemes put together a postcard series of Ford pictured with north Toronto small business owners and local taxpayers. Following Ford’s win, Nemes proudly displayed articles about his involvement on the walls.

But since the crack scandal, the pictures had to come down. When the story broke last October, Nemes wasn't sure what to do with the articles, but acting on advice from some of his customers — many of whom he says are lawyers and parents to young children — Nemes decided it was better to be safe than sorry. Now he and manager Cindy Stern are very happy that they went that route.

“That scandal was handled very badly,” said Nemes. “He could have handled it better, like Bill Clinton. He came out of his scandal well.”

“Well,” Stern said, “You have to remember that Bill Clinton was brilliant."

Nemes said he was initially attracted to Ford for his hardline, fiscal conservative views. But Ford’s recent behaviour, he said, has been “worrisome.”

“I’m hoping that another centre-right candidate gets into the race,” he said. “Just a few weeks ago I was telling a customer here, a former cop, that he should run for office, and he told me he would really think about it. We’ve got to get fresh blood out there.”