It’s all about bubble tea and patties this week. New outposts of the Alley, Benkei Hime, Norma’s Patty Shoppe and Crumbs give you plenty of options for those two ubiquitous Toronto snacks and treats – just in time for Toronto Patty Day.
Here are the restaurants that opened and closed in Toronto for the week of February 15-22.
Toronto restaurants that closed
Roux
The Southern Creole comfort food spot in the Junction closed after 13 years of business. “Like so many others, the last two years have been very difficult and the business is no longer sustainable,” said Derrick Markland, executive chef and owner of Roux on Instagram. The restaurant had its final service on February 20.
New Toronto restaurant openings
Benkei Hime
A store that offers bubble tea, design and fashion is opening at the Eaton Centre this weekend.
220 Yonge, @BenkeiHime
Kettlemans Bagel
Originally based in Ottawa, this bagel company announced they’re opening in Toronto this year. They’re currently in the hiring process for the Bathurst and Niagara location.
33 Bathurst, @kettlemans
Canadiana Grill By The Lake
The team behind beloved Parkdale fixture Pete’s Corner Grill (which closed in 2020) has something new in the works, working on opening up the new restaurant Canadiana Grill by the Lake in Mimico. Not many details are out yet, but you can stay up date here.
2454 Lake Shore West, @canadianagrillbtl
The Alley Hub
The Alley, the popular bubble tea chain with locations throughout the city, has opened a new concept store in Richmond Hill. The team says the space is catered to people who want to “study or work on projects” and also has conference rooms. There’s also a new coffee menu to boot.
8750 Bayview @thealley.ca
Sushi Sama
This Montreal sushi chain opened its doors in Toronto earlier this month. The restaurant offers sushi (naturally), nigiri, maki, poke bowls, fried rice and more.
1763 Avenue, @sushisama_toronto
The Bullger Burger&Steak
This burger restaurant’s fourth location in the city had its soft opening on February 18. You can try their hearty burgers like the Mighty Bull, which has double beef patties, onion rings, pico de gallo and mozzarella cheese.
116 Ellesmere, @thebullger
Crumbs Patties
The patty store formerly on Yonge is back in business. Now open in a permanent location at Kensingon Market, it offers gourmet Jamaican beef and chicken patties.
160 Baldwin, @crumbspatties
When the Pig Came Home
The peameal and smoked meat beef cheek spot opened at a new location in the Junction. Besides their classic peameal sandwiches, there are also porchetta sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak, jerk chicken on a bun and more. Norma’s Patty Shoppe will also be running at the new location.
384 Keele, @when_the_pig_came_home
More Toronto food news
Last week Statistics Canada reported that inflation rose to 5.1 per cent, the highest since 1991. This also means that grocery bills are the highest they’ve been in years, with prices for frozen food and condiments in particular experiencing a significant increase in costs.
Tomorrow is Toronto Patty Day and you best believe we’ll be having a story on its significance. Stay tuned.
