Craving a caffeine kick? Here are some local coffee shop chains you can support during the ongoing Canadian-American trade war.
When you’re craving a coffee, Starbucks or McDonald’s may be the first coffee shops that come to mind. But Canada has many of its own major coffee shop chains, including Country Style, Second Cup and Coffee Time. All three companies have Ontario-roots, with hundreds of locations spanning across the province and throughout the country.
But heads up, Toronto is a treasure trove of locally owned, smaller chains of coffee shops. So, if you’re looking to support local, here are five cafes to check out next time you need a ‘cup of joe.’
PILOT COFFEE ROASTERS
Pilot Coffee Roasters, founded in 2009, was first called Te Aro Roasted. Named for the hometown of one of the business’s co-founders: Te Aro, New Zealand, the shop was inspired by the cafes in that town.
Founders Andy Wilkin and Jesse Holmes opened their first cafe in a converted car garage in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood, and saw their brainchild quickly become a hotspot for coffee connoisseurs. Te Aro was renamed in 2013, officially becoming Pilot Coffee Roasters.
In addition to drinks and sweet treats, Pilot also sells coffee beans and brewing equipment, plus they host events like coffee tastings and latte art classes. There are nine shops across the city, plus their products are carried by some wholesalers. For those west of Toronto, there are also Pilot Coffee Roaster cafes in Waterloo and Oakville.
MOS MOS
Mos Mos first opened in 2014, bringing Toronto what it calls the next generation coffee experience. There are 12 locations across Toronto, serving up a variety of different caffeinated beverages including tea, coffee and matcha.
The company also sells various products to help you make the perfect drink at home, including latte powders, coffee beans, and milk alternatives. Through Ritual, Mos Mos offers order ahead service, so your refreshments will be ready when you arrive.
JIMMY’S COFFEE
Jimmy’s Coffee has become a household name since opening its doors on Toronto’s Portland Street back in 2009. Fun fact: The founder’s name? Phil Morrison. So, who is Jimmy?
“The elusive Jimmy doesn’t exist as a singular person—we love all Jimmies! James Dean, Jimmy Hoffa, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Carter, Jim Morrison, Jimmy Durante, your friend Jimmy, my friend Jimmy, or maybe even your dad Jimmy,” explains the chain’s website.
There are currently nine Jimmy’s locations across the city. In addition to drinks and pastries, the chain also sells branded merchandise, including a reusable version of their iconic yellow lid takeout cup, and their signature coffee beans, named after Jimmy Carter, James Dean, Jimmy Hoffa, and Jimi Hendrix.
SAM JAMES COFFEE BAR
Back in 2009, the first Sam James Coffee Bar opened in Toronto. They now have four independent locations across the city, with shops in the Parkdale, Little Italy, and Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhoods, as well as the Financial District.
Additionally, the company has partnered with 20 other businesses across Toronto to offer their coffee, including Bellwoods Brewery, Louie Coffee, and COPS Doughnuts.
Sam James also sells a variety of coffee beans, and high-end espresso machines.
DARK HORSE ESPRESSO
Dark Horse Espresso first opened its doors in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood back in 2006. They’ve broadened their reach since their early days, boasting 10 locations across Toronto, plus they recently opened locations in Newmarket and Hamilton.
In addition to taking walk-in orders, Dark Horse has an order ahead option on its website, allowing baristas to get your drink ready ahead of your arrival. Plus, if you’re planning a special event, they offer catering and rent some of their locations out as event spaces.
