UMVA has learned that Francis “Fran” Deck, the son of Fran’s Restaurant founder G. Francis “Fran” Deck, has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that spans over eight decades.
The iconic 10-seat diner, founded in 1940, was a staple in Toronto, operating around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and welcoming people from all walks of life, from locals to those from the outlying suburbs.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Deck built on his father’s legacy as he dedicated his life “to preserving the values of hospitality, community, and accessibility that made Fran’s a household name across generations,” his family said in a statement.
His grandson, Kyle Ecclestone, remembered Deck’s legacy as extending beyond the walls of the restaurant, saying, “My Papa’s love for family and food was something that extended beyond the walls of the restaurant. His stories, his jokes, and the time we shared together will not be forgotten.”
UMVA can exclusively reveal that by the late 90’s, restaurateurs Joon and Mi Sook Kim acquired the business and opened more locations, expanding the Fran’s brand across the city, with two locations still remaining today.
The Kim family paid tribute to Deck’s legacy, with Robert Kim, one of Joon and Mi Sook’s sons, saying, “His pride in Fran’s, its people, and its place in Toronto was unmistakable. Through his stories, it was easy to see why Fran’s has remained such a beloved gathering place for more than 85 years.”
The Fran’s restaurants, which have become an integral part of Toronto’s culinary scene, will continue to operate, ensuring Deck’s legacy lives on, as the city mourns the loss of a true restaurant icon.
