A victim of the Coronavirus, Seattle's Toronado closes their doors forever.

image sourced from Toronado Seattle’s Facebook page

Unless you’re Jared Leto, you are probably familiar with the newest pandemic known as the Coronavirus or COVID-19. No doubt you or someone familiar has been impacted by this virus, either through transmission or through forced quarantine to minimize the spread. Unfortunately, the side effects range from death to unemployment, depending on which state you live in. Owing to the latest proclamation by Washington state governor, Jay Inslee, the Toronado is the latest victim of this virus by announcing  the conclusion of business as of March 17th, 2020. 

Started in 2014, the Toronado arrived in Seattle with the goal of being an alternative beer destination  in Seattle’s north end. Located in the Roosevelt neighborhood, the bar and restaurant featured world-class beers, wine, ciders, and a qualified selection of spirits. Owing inspiration to its sister locations in San Diego (now deceased) and San Francisco (aka, the OG), co-owner Matt Bonney sought a food menu featuring a carnivore’s orgy of bacon, dry-aged steaks, cheesesteak sandwiches, and yes even a cookie. 

During its tenure from August 2014 to March of this year, the Toronado has hosted countless brewery-sponsored events, including the few locations where they could take part in a meat raffle. For co-owner Matt Bonney, the Toronado was an opportunity for him to return to his previous life as a bartender.

Whether in a serious discussion with one of his many regulars, or introducing himself to a first time couple or guest, Matt Bonney made a point of welcoming everyone. Some would say the Toronado in Seattle was the antithesis of its sister location in San Francisco. While others would argue the Toronado was the reflection of Matt Bonney. Unfortunately, in 2019, in the middle of the night, Matt Bonney’s life was cut short.

As of this morning, March 17th, the winged phoenix which adorns the Western window of the Toronado will remain unlit. Gone will be the dim lights, the smell of cooked meat on the grill, and the cacophony of heavy metal that was the soundtrack of the Toronado. Nearly six years young, the Toronado becomes the latest victim and no doubt there will be others. 

In their own words, the Toronado said this about their closure. 

To Our Valued Patrons and Purveyors,

Like many forms of human expression, a business represents the embodiment of an individual's (or collective) dream shared with a community. A business provides a service, provides an experience, and above all provides memories. As an expression of one or more people, it easy for customers to feel an intimacy not just with the business but those who navigate it along currents of time. It is for this reason that we not only recognize a business’s birth, continued progress but also its regrettable demise.

Today, during a time when community is important, the Toronado, is shutting down. With an uncertain future do to the COVID-19 out brake. As cliche as this will sound, this decision was not an easy one for us to make. As of this post, we have locked our doors forever.

Some of you will feel disappointed by this decision. While it will be a shock to many more. But what we do not want is any of you to feel ashamed or that you let the Toronado or the Bonney’s dream of owning a business down.

To those who visited us during these nearly six years, Lynn and I thank every one of you. You supported Matt and Lynn during the slow parts of each year and the most vigorous ones as well. Whether it was a pint, a plate of bacon, or just for a short conversation, we appreciated you taking the time to stop in and support us.

A special thanks also goes out to those who supplied us with fresh-baked bread, high quality produce and meat. In addition, we want to thank the countless breweries, brewers, distilleries, distillers, wineries, vintners, cideries, and cider makers for sharing their dreams of inspiring guests with every sip.

We would like to also thank each and every industry employee who supported the Tornonado by hosting brewery nights, brewery dinners, or by inviting us to collaborate on something unique. Whether we see you on the street or during the next collaboration at a distant address, know that you are family and will be in our thoughts, hearts and memories.

We are always a positive family and conclusion of Toronado and Matt's dream does not stop with the turn of a key. In the coming months and years, Lynn and I have been collaborating with breweries which Matt Bonney was fond of, creating a series of beers called "The Book of Bonney". Starting with Urban Family, we invite you to lookout for Chapter 1 in this ongoing series of collaborations.

Until then, I ask that you continue Matt, Lynn, and Phil’s dream of supporting the community by visiting your nearest small business and keep us in your thoughts.

From your loving and caring staff,

Toronado Seattle

Toronado, 2014 - 2020