The Malibu is on the move: Iconic east London eatery shifts locations after 70 years in the same spot

After 70 years at its Dundas Street location, east London restaurant icon Malibu restaurant is moving to new home. CTV’s Gerry Dewan explains.

Like many great diners, the Malibu made a connection with the community.

Gord Bell and his wife Gail stopped by for breakfast on the restaurant’s last day at 1622 Dundas St. Bell has fond memories of the spot.

“We had our grade eight graduation here. We all came, back when it wasn’t organized. Just a group of us all decided to come here for their graduation dinner,” he said.

Bell met Gail a couple of years later and they’ve been returning to the Malibu together for the last 50 years. For Bell, the appeal can be easily summed up.

“Good service. Good food. Good price,” he said with a laugh.

The restaurant has seen multiple owners over the years. Jessica Qin took over approximately 10 years ago.

“When I bought it, I didn’t think about it too much; just an investment and I’d run a business,” she told CTV News.

Qin said it didn’t take long to understand the passion customers have for the Malibu.

“Lots of stories. And I realized we have lots of regular, loyal customers and the family restaurant is a part of the community,” she said.

On Wednesday, approximately a dozen retired nurses and other health care professionals from University Hospital gathered at the Malibu.

Hazel Celestine says they’ve been meeting once a month for about 30 years; bound together by the challenges they faced in their profession.

“We talk about, you know, issues that are going on in our houses and homes and families and support one another,” she said.

She adds for the last 10 years they’ve found a welcoming spot at the Malibu.

“It’s like home for us to come in here. We all feel so welcome. Jen has been our waitress for all of that time that we’ve been coming here, and she looks after us like we’re all princesses,” she explained.

Jennifer Smale started working at the Malibu when she was a teenager. She’s 54 now. Prior to that, her mother worked at the restaurant. Smale said that generational connection is not uncommon.

“Even the cook, his dad’s worked here. His two sisters have worked here. His brothers worked here. Even the customers. I’ve served three generations,” she said.

Qin said the building was constructed in the 50s and has required numerous repairs in recent years. Additional repairs are needed and were no longer feasible. They found a new home in a location built just a few years ago.

They’ll remain on Dundas, approximately two kilometers east of the current location, and most importantly, keeping the restaurant in the community.

The new Malibu, at 2055 Dundas St., has been undergoing what is called a soft launch for the last three weeks. It’s been opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m., giving staff an opportunity to test equipment and systems.

On Thursday the new location becomes the permanent home of the east London Malibu. Unfortunately, the marquee red neon name signs won’t be making the trip.