Is Toronto’s El Mocambo FINALLY about to open?

When Toronto’s (Canada’s?) favourite dive bar closed a number of years ago, we really weren’t sure if it would rise again. But then the property was purchased by Dragon’s Den star and Bay Street financier Michael Wekerle ($4 million) who then proceeded to dump millions and millions of dollars ($17 million, maybe more) into refurbishing the place.

Jimi Hendrix’s favourite producer Eddie Kramer was hired to deal with the recording, streaming, and audio installations. Additional property was purchased. The iconic sign was unsaveable but an identical copy was commissioned and now hangs in its familiar spot on Spadina Avenue.

So lots and lots of money and lots and lots of work. When when will the place finally re-open? Many deadlines have come and gone.

My inside source says that the most recent issues have had to do with acquiring the necessary city permits, something that’s taken much, much longer than expected.

However, we now hear that there will be a soft opening of the club next month (no, really) now that all the approvals have been received.

That’s all I got. I’ll keep on it.