Wendel Clark Now: Restaurant, Net Worth & Life After NHL

If you grew up watching the Toronto Maple Leafs in the late 80s and 90s, you probably remember Wendel Clark as the hard-nosed captain who gave everything on the ice, but these days he’s traded the skates for a chef’s apron and a microphone. This article takes a closer look at where Wendel Clark is now, from his restaurant in Toronto to his work as a motivational speaker, and uncovers what’s fact and what’s still unclear about his post‑NHL life.

Born: October 25, 1966, Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Canada ·
NHL career: 1985–2000 (15 seasons) ·
Teams played for: Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks ·
NHL games played: 793 ·
NHL goals: 330 ·
NHL points: 598

Seven verified facts about Wendel Clark from official databases and credible sources:

Where is Wendel Clark now?

Current primary residence

• Clark resides in the Greater Toronto Area. Sources indicate he lives in King City (Wikipedia – low confidence on specific location) or Muskoka (Jackson Events speaker biography). The exact address is not public.
• His home base keeps him close to his restaurant and speaking engagements across Canada.

“Where is Wendel Clark now?” is one of the most common questions from fans who remember his playing days. The answer: he’s still in Ontario, splitting time between Toronto and cottage country.

What does Wendel Clark do now?

• Co-owner and spokesperson for Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar (BBB business profile)
• Motivational speaker and hockey leadership consultant (All American Speakers)
• Franchising the restaurant chain to new markets (official franchising page)
• Regular appearances as a hockey ambassador at charity events and corporate functions

The pattern: Clark has turned his NHL brand into a physical hospitality business and a speaking career, giving him diversified income that extends well beyond his playing days.

Public appearances and speaking engagements

• Clark is available for corporate speaking, leadership keynotes, and sports banquets (All American Speakers)
• He has participated in Maple Leafs alumni events and charity hockey games

“What does Wendel Clark do now?” He speaks to businesses about teamwork and resilience, drawing on the same gritty mentality that made him a fan favorite.

Does Wendel Clark own a restaurant?

Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar overview

• Yes – Clark co-owns Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar. The flagship location is at 121 Richmond Street West in Toronto, with additional outlets in Saskatoon, Brampton, Oshawa, and Burlington (BBB business profile; All American Speakers).
• The menu features classic pub fare: burgers, wings, poutine, and steaks, with a sports-bar atmosphere.
• The Saskatoon location opened in January 2019, covered by Global News.

Franchising opportunities and expansion

• The restaurant chain actively promotes franchising, offering “two streams of income” from neighborhood traffic and destination customers (official franchising page).
• Plans include further expansion across Canada, though specific timelines are not publicly confirmed.
• The Saskatoon outlet is co-managed by Byron Kidd and Gary Baba (BBB business profile).

Role in the restaurant operations

• Clark is the face of the brand, appearing in promotional materials and at opening events, but day-to-day operations are handled by business partners and general managers.
• His involvement includes menu input, marketing, and franchise approvals.

The trade‑off: Clark lends his celebrity to attract customers, while delegating the operational grind — a smart play for a former athlete who wants to stay visible without being tied to a kitchen.

Clark’s restaurant chain continues to grow, with him as the face of the brand.

What was Wendel Clark known for?

NHL career highlights

• Drafted 1st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1985 (Elite Prospects)
• Played 15 seasons in the NHL (1985–2000) (All American Speakers)
• Recorded 330 goals and 598 points in 793 games (Elite Prospects)
• Served as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Wikipedia)
• Inducted into the Maple Leafs’ Legends Row (honored by the team) (Wikipedia – medium confidence)

Playing style and physicality

• Known as a power forward who combined goal‑scoring with a relentless physical edge
• His aggressive body‑checking and willingness to fight made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent
• Often described as “the prototypical Maple Leaf” for his toughness and loyalty

Captaincy and leadership

• Named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1991
• Led the team through the early 90s, including a run to the conference finals in 1993
• His leadership style was “lead by example” – always the first to drop the gloves or block a shot

The implication: Clark’s legacy is built on a rare blend of scoring and intimidation. That same intensity now fuels his post‑NHL business decisions.

Why did Wendel Clark retire?

Injury history

• Clark suffered multiple serious injuries during his NHL career, particularly back problems that limited his mobility and playing time (Wikipedia)
• He played through numerous concussions and shoulder injuries, taking a cumulative toll

Final NHL season (1999–2000)

• Clark’s last season was with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1999–2000 (All American Speakers)
• He appeared in only 13 games that season, scoring 2 goals and 5 points

Transition to post-hockey career

• Clark announced his retirement in 2000, citing accumulated injuries as the primary reason
• He immediately began exploring business opportunities, including the restaurant concept that would launch a decade later
• Briefly worked as a hockey analyst before focusing on entrepreneurship

The catch: Clark didn’t leave the game on his own terms – his body forced the decision. But he used the next decade to build a second career, turning his fame into a tangible business.

How much is Wendel Clark worth?

Estimated net worth

• Public estimates range widely. TheRichest celebrity net worth site (low confidence) places it around US$2 million. Other unverified sources suggest $8–10 million.
• No official financial disclosure exists, so any figure is a third‑party estimate.

Sources of income

• NHL salary (estimated career earnings of roughly $20–25 million before taxes and expenses)
• Restaurant revenue from multiple locations
• Speaking fees (corporate and sports events)
• Endorsements and personal appearances

Business ventures

• Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar generates ongoing income, but profitability is not publicly reported.
• Franchising fees and royalties could add a recurring revenue stream.
• Clark also earns from hockey‑related memorabilia and alumni events.

What this means: Clark likely earns a comfortable living from his post‑NHL ventures, but the “$2 million” figure cited by TheRichest appears low if his restaurant chain is profitable. Without audited numbers, treat all net worth claims as rough guesses.

For now, all net worth figures remain estimates.

Timeline

• 1966 – Born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan (Elite Prospects)
• 1985 – Drafted 1st overall by Toronto Maple Leafs (Elite Prospects)
• 1990 – Traded to Quebec Nordiques
• 1995 – Returned to Toronto Maple Leafs in a trade
• 2000 – Retired from NHL after final season with Chicago Blackhawks (All American Speakers)
• 2013 – Opened Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar in Toronto
• 2019 – Saskatoon outlet opened (Global News)
• Present – Active as restaurateur, speaker, and hockey ambassador

For fans of the Maple Leafs and entrepreneurs alike, Wendel Clark’s journey shows that a tough competitive spirit can translate into second‑act success. The question isn’t whether Clark will keep building his brand — it’s whether the restaurant chain will expand enough to become a national staple, or remain a cherished local spot. For now, anyone can grab a burger at his Toronto grill and see the former captain in his natural habitat: still serving, just on a different ice surface.

Frequently asked questions