February is a tough month for Toronto businesses. The spending spree of the holidays is a distant memory and restaurant-goers tend to hibernate until spring. This month has been no exception, with numerous businesses shuttering, including a few that might be characterized as institutions.

Here's a roundup of Toronto businesses that closed this past month.

My Market Bakery
The Kensington Market stalwart abruptly shut down early in the month amidst accusations that employees were owed wages and suppliers were owed money as well.

Lou Dawg's
The southern smokehouse known for its late-night service and pulled pork sandwiches closed its location on King West this month. The outpost on Gerrard is still in business.

Reforma
The Mexican eatery took over from Agave Y Aguacate on Baldwin Street a mere four months ago, but the restaurant shuttered abruptly mid-month with no explanation.

Steer Inn Burgers
Loyal customers flocked to this iconic Richmond Hill restaurant for one final fix of burgers, gyros and fries on Valentines Day. The burger joint had been in business for half a century but closed its doors after owners Nick and Mike Sofos along with partner Ted Theodoridis announced their retirement.

Clafouti
You won't be able to get your crookie fix at this West Queen West bakery cafe any longer. Owner Olivier Jansen-Reynaud has moved on to running two restaurants in Niagara Falls.

Skyline Restaurant
This Parkdale institution shuttered for good on February 21. Sally Smits, Skyline's only waitress, told us that the diner has been sold though retiring owner Louie "thinks the new owners will be keeping it similar."

Mr. Ciao
Mr. Ciao served its last deep fried pizza on Sunday, Feburary 28. The address on Gerrard is set to be converted into the Triple A Pub, the third location of the east-side BBQ joint.

Rock Lobster
The original RLFC on Ossington announced its closure this month. Owner Matt Dean Pettit shuttered the spot to focus on the upcoming upscale fast casual concept that is set to expand across Canada and the U.S.. The Queen West location remains open for now.

The [Eat]ery
The casual lunch counter on University Avenue shut down this month making grab and go salads and sandwiches a little more scarce on street level in the Financial District.

Das Gasthaus
Owners of this German gastropub on the Danforth attempted to unload raffle off the restaurant last year but now that the winner has turned down the prize the restaurant is closed and in arrears.

Hey Meatball
The meatball-centric eatery in Little Italy was sold and shuttered this month. Rodney Bower's signature meatballs on pasta, polenta or risotto are thankfully still available in Leslieville.

Marky's BBQ Smokehouse
The barbecue joint in Baby Point announced its closure on social media on the last day of the month. The house smoked brisket and meat pies will surely be missed.

Photo of the Skyline by Phil Marion.