The new owners of the Harmony Lunch in uptown Waterloo say they plan to reopen the iconic restaurant, maintain the things that made it popular and add a few new twists to the mix.
A press release issued Monday revealed property developer HIP Developments and construction company Melloul-Blamey as the new owners of the property on King Street North.
The restaurant closed Oct. 29, following 86 years of operation by the Marks family. During that time, it was known for its longevity in Waterloo’s restaurant scene as well as its unique hamburgers.
According to Monday’s announcement, the restaurant will reopen in “four to five months” with Nick Benninger – most recently behind Taco Farm and Uptown 21 elsewhere in uptown Waterloo – as its chef.
“I have long been a fan of the food offered up to the hungry customers of the Harmony, especially their famous mouth-watering pork sliders,” Benninger said in the release.
“I plan to respect the classic diner fare, while at the same time bring something new to the table.”
HIP Developments president Scott Higgins says the developer is taking a “long term view” of the property.
“We need an eclectic mix of business and restaurants to keep uptown the most desirable uptown neighbourhood in our region, and we’re excited that it … will still include a classic Harmony burger,” he said.
The restaurant will undergo minor renovations before it reopens in the spring. Once that happens, its new owners say, it will be open later hours and offer craft beer to “meet the demand of a more urban crowd.”
