Crown Royal Removed from Menu at Amherstburg Restaurant Amid Diageo Plant Closure

A restaurant in Amherstburg, Ontario, has removed Crown Royal whisky from its menu in response to the Diageo bottling plant's closure, which will cost over 200 jobs. The owner, David Hayes, said he's doing it as a personal gesture to support the community. Earlier this year, he switched from using Jack Daniels to Crown Royal in a burger on his menu.

Amherstburg, Ontario — A local restaurant in Amherstburg has taken a stand against the Diageo bottling plant's closure by removing Crown Royal whisky from its menu. The move, initiated by owner David Hayes, is seen as a personal gesture of support for the community and the 207 unionized workers at risk of losing their jobs [1].

Earlier this year, Hayes switched from using Jack Daniels to Crown Royal in a signature burger on his menu. However, in response to the plant's impending closure, he has decided to reverse this change. "It's a small way to show solidarity with the community," Hayes said. "If we can't support the local economy, then what are we doing here?"

The closure of the Amherstburg plant, scheduled for February 2026, is part of a larger trend of job losses in the alcohol industry. Diageo, which owns Crown Royal, has cited global declines in whisky sales as the reason for the closure [1].

The decision to remove Crown Royal from the menu has been met with mixed reactions. While some customers appreciate the gesture, others have criticized the move, arguing that it will have little impact on Diageo's decision. Nevertheless, Hayes believes that every action counts in supporting the community.

The plant's closure has also sparked discussions about the potential impact on Ontario's economy and the need for stronger protections for workers in industries at risk of job losses due to trade disputes or global economic trends [1].

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/ford-crown-royal-boycott-ontario-distillery-1.7623049