Toronto?s Popular Restaurant Ship Is Up For Sale - and May Sail Away! in Toronto, Illinois

Toronto, ON - March 5, xxxx
 
     Captain John?s Restaurant: it?s been an integral part of the Toronto waterfront and business community for over 35 years...now it?s up for sale and may disappear forever! The unique 300 foot long restaurant ship docked at Queen?s Quay has fêted the crème de la crème of Canadian politicians, and famous entertainers such as Bob Hope, since xxxx, and continues as a restaurant, banquet hall, and popular tourist site.
 
            Captain John - John Lutnik - says he?s 73 years old and it?s time to let someone younger ?man the bridge? of his successful enterprise. However, he won?t hang up his hat right away if the buyer keeps the popular restaurant ship docked in Toronto. He?ll be there to help out until they get their bearings. But he says it?s time now for him to sit back and just enjoy life.
 
            The ship has an interesting history. It was built in xxxx in the former Yugoslavia - where Captain John was born. Christened the Jadran MS (Yah-DRAHN?) (MS - motor ship), it was originally a cruise ship with 5 levels and 355 cabins, capable of carrying 600 passengers. Back then, Yugoslavian President Josip Tito used the ship for his private cruises before purchasing his own yacht. She was up for sale in xxxx, along with two sister ships, when Captain John found her and brought her back to Toronto.
            Captain John completely changed the electrical, heating, and plumbing before he opened the doors. ?She had very little insulation as she had sailed in warm weather.? While the engines are still there, all connections from the bridge to the engine room have been severed. However, she can be towed anywhere the new owner chooses.
 
            Captain John?s personal history is as interesting as his ship?s. He was born in the former Yugoslavia, now Slovenia. He lived under Hitler, then under the Communists. One of a family of 6, he worked on the family farm, but didn?t see a future there. Finishing grade 8, as far as he could go, he escaped to Austria at age 15. Four days after arriving in Toronto he found work at St. George?s Golf & Country Club as a pot washer, and worked his way up to a cook. In xxxx he opened a small restaurant selling soup, sandwiches, and stews. In xxxx he realized his dream by buying a small ship in Owen Sound - the MS Normac - which became the first Captain John?s. The current ship made her debut in xxxx.
 
            Currently in use on Captain John?s is one dining room that holds about 100 people for regular dining, lunch and dinner and two other rooms. The larger holds around 250 for sit down banqueting, and the smaller room seats 65. There is also an open deck. However, Captain John says only half of the ship is in use, so there?s a lot of potential. ?Back in the ?80s I worked with the University of Toronto College of Art and they produced a nice design to encompass entertainment and a small motel. Or perhaps Toronto is ready for a floating casino.?
            Captain John says the ship attracts a lot of tourism to Toronto, especially from overseas. An agency in Montreal brings over a lot of people from France and Europe, and the ship is especially popular with Japanese tourists.
 
            Right now, Captain John lives in a luxurious suite - including skylights and a Jacuzzi - atop the ship. But when the deal is done, he doesn?t plan to go far.  ?This ship is part of my life, my business, and my profession. When the ship is sold I?ll stay in Toronto. Toronto is my home.?
 
            Tim Armstrong of Canada Business Sellers, who is handling the sale, says he?s already had interest in the ship, most recently from Greece.
 
Anyone interested in purchasing the ship can get detailed information from:
Tim Armstrong of Canada Business Sellers by calling (416) 919-xxxx
 
PLEASE NOTE: Captain John is currently UNavailable for interviews. He?s undergoing hip surgery this morning, March 5th. He?ll be in hospital and recovering at his sister?s home for the next few weeks.