Phil's Original BBQ joined the deadpool last Friday. College Street locals and barbecue fans will remember the restaurant as once being amongst the best spots to head for ribs or brisket, but it appears that the influx of new competition and now established BBQ joints (such as The Stockyards and Barque) hit this smokehouse hard.

An eviction notice posted by representatives of Phil's landlords on Friday morning indicates rent in arrears totalling $31,652.76. The locks have been changed and personal property has been ordered out by this week. The notice also states an intention to recover damages for breach of contract.

In operation since 1991, when owner Phil Nyman sold his home to finance the restaurant, Phil's Original had the distinction of being one of the few survivors of The Curse of Restaurant Makeover. While the decor received the show's customary slapdash refit, Chef David Adjey didn't want to mess with the food. So did Phil's ultimately just not prove hip enough for BBQ-crazed Toronto?