UPDATED: Chainsaw, beloved uptown Waterloo karaoke bar, permanently closes due to COVID-19
According to CTV News Kitchener, Chainsaw, the popular uptown Waterloo restaurant and karaoke bar that was founded in 2009, has permanently closed.
The coronavirus outbreak has hit small and locally-owned businesses particularly hard, with the closure order of non-essential operations across the province providing unprecedented setbacks and financial uncertainty for stores and restaurants.
Chainsaw posted on March 16 through their social media accounts that they were originally going to be temporarily closed.
“Sorry, Chainsaw Lovers. To keep our patrons, staff, and community safe, we are closing our doors until further notice. We know you’re hearing it a lot, but it is abundantly clear that we all need to practice social distancing in order to protect our community, which, unfortunately, includes all St. Patrick’s Day festivities. We look forward to reopening as soon as it is safe for the community, our staff, and each of you,” the post said.
Chainsaw shared another Facebook update regarding their permanent closure on April 21, stating, “It’s true. Chainsaw will not be opening its doors again. While we had every intention of serving our Waterloo community for years to come, COVID-19 had other plans, and the pandemic has forced us to close down for good.”
“This was not an easy decision to make, and we can’t believe 2012ish has finally arrived. Thank you to our Uptown Waterloo community. You gave us a home for 11 years. Thank you to our incredible staff. No matter when you worked at Chainsaw, you will always be part of our family. Thank you to everyone who had the courage to step up onto our karaoke stage. In tune or not, you made Chainsaw what it was. This isn’t the way any of us wanted it to end. But, as we like to say, it is what it is. We’ll miss you. Love, Chainsaw.”
The bar has been sharing patrons’ photos and videos through their Instagram stories.
To send in your own Chainsaw memory, visit The Cord’s submission form.Â
