The site of a 71-year-old family restaurant at Bathurst and Wilson will soon be home to an American fast food chain.

Goodbye Steve's Restaurant, hello Popeyes Louisiana Chicken.

Steve's, established in 1946, closed its doors for good in September after the landlord tried to triple the rent. Many customers were saddened to learn of the closure.

Last breakfast at Steve's today 😢 Thanks for 30 years of quality 🍳🥓☕️, Toronto won't be the same without you! #StevesRestaurant #theregoestheneighbourhood #nowihavetodriveforbacon 😤

A post shared by Jay Klein (@jayklein6) on Sep 10, 2017 at 8:25pm PDT

"It hurts to walk past it daily," wrote one former patron on the restaurant's Facebook page, which is currently covered in cry face emojis and the word "noooo!"

"I have so many memories at Steve's," wrote another, "From my dad taking me there a kid and then taking my baby girl after she was born."

Best known for its awesome Greek salad and all-day breakfast options, Steve's Restaurant has also been described as "an institution" by locals who say they practically "lived at that place growing up."

Really sad to learn that Steve's is closing for good later this week. An institution in #YorkCentre and for my family. Wishing all the staff farewell and thanks for the memories. ☹️

A post shared by Michael Levitt (@mpmichaellevitt) on Sep 4, 2017 at 10:41am PDT

The restaurant's other locations, one in Thornhill and one near Blue Mountain, are still up and running.

Staff in Thornhill confirmed by phone today that the former Steve's at Bathurst and Wilson is indeed being converted into a Popeyes chicken franchise.

An opening date has yet to be announced, but signs for the greasy spoon have already been replaced with signs for the greasy chicken joint.