Simply not viable: Iconic restaurant closes as businesses struggle in uptown Saint John – New Brunswick [Video]

Uptown Saint John, N.B., businesses have had to deal with many struggles recently: street closures due to construction, tough economic times and decreased foot traffic.

And it’s pushed a long-standing restaurant to close its doors.

Billy Grant, the owner of Billy’s Seafood, announced this week that the restaurant is shutting down after more than 30 years in business, saying he was doing so with “heavy hearts.”

“With major personal sacrifices, hard work, and our dedicated staff, our restaurant managed  to weather major Market renovations, the loss of patio revenue due to the demolition and construction at 97 King, and the pandemic,” he wrote in a letter on Facebook.

“We have now realized that the business is simply not viable and must close effective immediately.”

Grant declined to speak with Global News.

But faithful patrons and community members who have fond memories of the restaurant are speaking out about the loss.

“It is definitely a tragic loss for …