Well before The Esplanade became one of Toronto's liveliest dining strips, one single restaurant helped lay the foundation for the now-buzzing restaurant row — The Old Spaghetti Factory. The story of the Old Spaghetti Factory begins south of the border in Portland, Oregon, where the original location opened its doors in 1969 in the historic Carriage and Baggage Building. In August 1971, the Old Spaghetti Factory opened its doors in Toronto in a former blacksmith shop dating back to 1898. Blue Jays players were known to frequent nearby bars, and the Old Spaghetti Factory also became a familiar backdrop to countless dinners out. After speaking at Nathan Phillips Square, Fox arrived at the restaurant and ordered steak and spaghetti, with an extra plate of spaghetti on the side.