As Toronto’s mayoral by-election quickly approaches, many continue to stand divided on which hopeful candidate can best address the city's transit, housing, and public safety issues. 

Local restaurants are also joining in on the debate, and one beloved chicken wing joint was recently slammed with backlash after hosting a polarizing candidate. 

Bistro on Avenue is located at 1988 Avenue Rd (as its name suggests) and is a neighbourhood staple for dry-rub and saucy wings, party platters, and specialty sandwiches. 

The business first opened up back in 1984 thanks to restaurateur Louis Nemes, who also founded chicken wing joint Chick 'N Deli, and St. Louis Bar and Grill at 2050 Yonge St.

Just before 1 p.m. on Saturday, the restaurant uploaded a picture on Twitter which showed Nemes posing alongside Mark Saunders, who served as chief of police with the Toronto Police Service (TPS) from 2015 to 2020, and is one of many candidates competing for the title of Toronto's mayor. 

Well who do we have here?? It’s Big Lou a.k.a The King of Wings with ⁦@marksaunders_TO⁩ . He’s Wingin it for Saunders for Mayor! pic.twitter.com/6BRt8Dflwy

— Bistro On Avenue (@bistro_on) May 28, 2023

Nemes and Saunders both wore "Mark Saunders for Mayor" shirts, which prompted some backlash from loyal customers who questioned the restaurant's political stance. 

That’s a shame

— Halak (@HalakItLikeThat) May 28, 2023

"Bad choice. Not interested in a belligerent candidate who doesn't know how to debate," one person responded. 

I definitely know how polarizing politics can be nowadays . I am a firm believer in people voting for whomever they believe in. I am voting for @marksaunders_TO because after meeting him many times, I personally believe he is a smart, capable, authentic and caring human being.

— Bistro On Avenue (@bistro_on) May 28, 2023

The restaurant went on to defend and provide an explanation for its position, which resulted in even harsher criticism from local residents and fellow chicken wing connoisseurs.

I don’t understand this.. who then? I’m not too fond of the other candidates to date, nor does it appear from the polls that people have an appetite for any of them other than Chow? Why the animosity towards Saunders??

— Bistro On Avenue (@bistro_on) May 28, 2023

"His record as police chief should be disqualifying. He doesn’t deserve to fail upward," one person wrote.

I would simply have preferred not to know this.

— Tom Weatherburn (@tdubolyou) May 29, 2023

"To think I would have patronized your business but can't support those that support Saunders," another comment reads. "He's drawn lines in the sand against the LGBTQ2S+ community that he can never cross back. You're now on his side. #sticktofoodnotSaunders."

Ok that’s it… no more politics for me today.. sheesh.. exhausting! Wishing EVERYONE a good night.

— Bistro On Avenue (@bistro_on) May 28, 2023

After receiving an onslaught of criticism, the restaurant stated that while they welcome pushback and differing opinions, hateful comments are where they draw the line.