William Crooks
The former Sebby’s Restaurant building on Queen Street in Lennoxville being demolished on Sept. 22
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The building that once housed Sebby’s Restaurant on Queen Street in Lennoxville was demolished Sept. 22, closing a chapter in the borough’s history.
Borough President Claude Charron said the site’s disappearance is not just a matter of bricks and mortar but a reminder of the role the restaurant played in the community. “People have memories tied to that building. For many, it’s a part of Lennoxville’s social history,” he said in an interview.
Sebby’s operated for decades and became a fixture in The Record, appearing regularly in coverage of local life. Families gathered there for birthday parties and anniversaries, while community groups held luncheons and dinners. It was also a favoured spot for political events, from campaign breakfasts to election-night gatherings.
And the building has a history that long predates the popular restaurant, serving previously as the Len Pub, and a funeral home before that.
In 2009, Sherbrooke city council approved façade renovations for the building, highlighting its commercial importance at the time. A few years later, the borough pointed to those improvements as a model for downtown revitalization. Even earlier, Sebby’s played host to countless fundraisers, including charity golf tournaments, and served as a meeting place for civic organizations.
By Sept. 24 most of the debris had been cleared away, with only the old Sebby’s sign and the foundations remaining at the site
Charron said that while restaurants and businesses inevitably come and go, some leave a mark that lingers. “You can see how many times Sebby’s comes up in old newspaper clippings. It tells you something about its role in the life of the town,” he explained.
He added that Lennoxville’s commercial vitality depends on both preserving history and adapting to new realities. “We’ve always had businesses that serve as anchors. When one closes, the question is how the space will be used next. That’s something residents pay close attention to,” he said.
The borough president emphasized that future use of the lot will be important to the health of Queen Street. “Our goal is to encourage projects that contribute positively to the community, whether it’s through services, culture, or commerce,” he said.
Despite the demolition, questions about the site’s future remain. M. Haddad, owner of the lot and proprietor of the Familiprix on King Est, was repeatedly contacted last week but has not responded as of press time. His son, who works at the pharmacy, initially indicated his father would be available to clarify the situation.
For many long-time residents, the removal of the building marked the end of an era. Still, Charron suggested that the memory of Sebby’s will continue to shape how people think about Lennoxville’s identity. “It’s part of our story,” he said.