Yonge and Dundas-area office workers, take heart: Your tradeoff for dodging crowds of tourists in the pedestrian scramble is getting to be front-row for every new takeout franchise in town. We recently reported that Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual pizza concept backed by none other than LeBron James, was set to open in the area later this year. Now, another grab-and-go chain is ready to settle at the city’s busiest corner – this one coming from a little closer to home (specifically, right down the street).
Fresh East, the deli-inspired spinoff of Paramount Fine Foods, is about to open its first Toronto location by the end of the month at 334 Yonge, replacing an Ardene store. (It’s the third location, following on the heels of openings at Western University and Erin Mills Town Centre.)
The company says Fresh East is the first halal-certified, quick-serve sandwich shop, with the menu focusing on customizable subs and shawarma made with fresh-baked breads, halal deli meats and house-made sauces. Basically, it’s plenty of what you love about the two-floor Paramount location down the street, but with a takeout-friendly twist (and fewer mall shoppers).
food@nowtoronto.com | @nataliamanzocco
