Last Updated on August 21, 2021 by YGK News Staff
A landmark property in Kingston is being listed for sale.
The Queen’s Inn, one of the oldest continually operating inns in Canada, has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family for over fifty years with siblings Richard Mitchell and Kathy Cornell managing the business for the last three decades.
Effective today, the property has been listed for sale by its owners, in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield Kingston.
“Kathy and I have been actively involved for over thirty years but we haven’t been counting – we still enjoy running the business every day alongside our employees, customers, and business partners,” says Richard. “As part of our greater family planning, we are exploring whether a different ownership group may have a new vision for our prestigious parcel of downtown Kingston and want to start its next chapter in history at 125 Brock Street.”
The property was originally built in 1839 by Wolfe Island businessman Martin Staley. Much later in 1970, Ron and Ruby Mitchell acquired the property then known locally as the “Queen’s Hotel”. Today, the Queen’s Inn is a successful business that includes both a 17-room hotel and two distinct restaurant properties: Coppers Pub and The Sports Tap & Grill.
“We are very proud of the business our family has built that continues to stand the test of time,” says Kathy. “This is a testament to our dedicated staff, patrons, and downtown Kingston community that we genuinely enjoy serving every day.”
The Queen’s Inn is a landmark Kingston property and, over the years, has played host to several special guests. Bands such as Trooper, The Sheep Dogs, and Nazareth stayed in the hotel during their Canadian tours while countless other public figures regularly seek out the pub fare offered from its restaurants.
“There are simply too many stories and memories to mention,” said Christa Johnston, who has worked with the Mitchell family for two decades. “I’ve witnessed customers become friends and friends become family, but ultimately, anyone who is lucky enough to work, dine, or stay at the hotel is part of the Queen’s Inn family.”
The business will continue to operate status quo while the property is listed for sale. The hotel, restaurants, and patio remain open seven days a week and special event space is available for private bookings, subject to local health restrictions.
