It’s safe to say that we TO folks have high hopes for June. In addition to celebrating all things Pride, we’re all on the edge of our seats to find out when the city will safely reopen for good. While we wait, why not check out what new additions have come to the retail landscape here in Toronto? As always, there are new stores and restaurants opening but sadly, some have unfortunately shuttered.
Here’s a list of new openings and closings this month in Toronto.
See also: These Pink Robots Are Delivering Food Across Toronto >>>
Openings:
Myth
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Not too long ago, we learned that The Citizen on King West had closed but that the team at Uniq Hospitality had something else coming and it’s called Myth. While no official opening announcement has been made, Myth is going to be offering a Greek-inspired culinary dining experience that will transport diners all the way to the Cyclades islands. The space is a whopping 5,000 square feet and 150 seats inside and 60 seats on its outdoor terrazas.
Abyssinia YYZ
If it’s Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine that you’re craving, look no further than Abyssinia which just opened in midtown on Yonge just north of Davisville. Here you’ll find delicious meat, vegetarian and even vegan dishes all made with exotic and exciting flavours. This is the restaurant’s first location in Ontario and it joins another location in Calgary.
Mixed Senses
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What’s better than a good cup of coffee? Oh, I don’t know, what about shopping for some skincare, too? At Mixed Senses, you can do both! Located over in The Beaches area, the café offers an amazing coffee selection, baked goods, artwork, and even vegan soaps, body scrubs and body butters. Definitely one of the coolest, most creative Toronto openings of the month!
Solarium at Cabana
Looking for the most magical wedding venue for your special day? Look no further than Solarium at Cabana. Located inside REBEL nightclub down by The Portlands, Solarium boats some of the best views of the Toronto skyline. The venue is currently booking for the 2022 season and has several packages to accommodate your budget for pre-events, wedding ceremony and reception.
Aesop
Following the news that upscale Australian skincare company Aesop would be expanding more in 2021, the chain has just opened a new location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Even though the mall remains closed due to lockdown restrictions, the store is open for curbside pickup. One of the most exciting openings if you ask me!
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Closings:
Steak Queen
Yes, this is the place made famous by Toronto’s late Mayor Rob Ford. Steak Queen, located on Rexdale in Etobikoke is where Ford was filmed drunkenly swearing in Jamaican Patois but the restaurant was also remembered for its 24/7 Greek fare and for serving $3.25 bottles of domestic beer from noon until last call.
Playa Cabana Hacienda & La Libre
Known for their incredible tacos and colourful, sprawling patio, Playa Cabana and its patio La Libre has sadly closed for good last month. The blame, like many, cite the pandemic and it’s reported that the size of the restaurant was too large to stay afloat. However, it’s not all sad news because there are five other restaurants under the same ownership that you can continue to support.
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Dessert Lady
Toronto fave, Dessert Lady has announced it’s closing the original location for good. The brand is known for creating some of the best wedding cakes but also cookies and baked goods, too. Dessert Lady posted a statement on Instagram citing the pandemic for closing reasons. However, it’s not all sad news because Dessert Lady does have another location on Sultan Street, near Charles and Bay.
Sapori
Dundas West’s Sapori, the Italian restaurant known for its charcuterie boards, has also been forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there’s a silver lining because even though the restaurant has vacated its space, the business is still alive and well thanks to its online presence where folks can still place orders.
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Cube
Once known as one of Toronto’s most popular nightclubs, Cube is another TO icon that’s shuttered in the past year. The venue, situated neatly between a Lush and Bell store, boasted amazing views of the city and its rooftop beer garden was spectacular. The space is currently up for lease.
Barreworks
Another Toronto gym has been forced to close due to the pandemic. A fave of many, fitness studio Barreworks announced the news just days ago that effective immediately it will cease all operations. At one time the studio had locations in Queen West and Yonge and Lawrence neighbourhoods but its Queen West location closed soon after the first lockdown.
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