As 2020 comes to a close, one thought that’s on everyone’s mind is hope that 2021 will be a much brighter year. Not only for our health and that of our families but for businesses both big-box and local. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate any and all new openings that have come our way. With that being said, we’re also waving a tearful goodbye to a few local businesses and restaurants as well. Damn you 2020!

Openings:

Podium by SPINCO

While it’s not exactly a new store, this announcement is definitely something to celebrate. Spin studio SPINCO has locations across Canada and the chain has just announced the launch of its first home fitness bike called Podium in partnership with connected fitness industry leader, Echelon Fitness. The bikes are available for purchase now and storefronts are slated to open in Spring 2021.

Mishwar

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Say hello to Toronto’s newest Middle Eastern spot – Mishwar. Located on the Danforth, Mishwar which translates to “journey” in Moroccan Arabic, is serving up all sorts of authentic dishes like Kibbeh, kebabs, shawarma, and much more.

Bom Dia

Bom Dia means good morning in Portuguese and trust us, it certainly will be after your visit and first bite. This new spot specializes in those tasty custard tarts that we’ve all come to know and love, called pastel de nata but the bakery offers so much more than that. You can find goodies like chocolate salami, croissants, sandwiches, muffins, as well as top quality coffee & espresso.

Jollibee

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Jollibee has finally come to downtown Toronto. The Filipino chain’s first downtown location has just opened at Yonge & Gould and we couldn’t be more excited. Finally, we can get our hands on all delicious fried chicken and fried mango pies our tummies can handle! Plus, word has it that another Jollibee location is set to open a little further uptown at Yonge and Broadway, just north of Eglinton. Stay tuned!

The Cocktail Shop by Bar Sybanne

With the continued closure of indoor dining, restaurants have clearly had to get creative and pivot. Ossington’s Bar Sybanne has just launched new cocktail kits that are available to buy on Uber Eats. There are 10 cocktail kits to choose from and they include literally everything you could need to craft each one including fresh cold-pressed juice, housemade syrups, sealed bottle(s) of liquor and even themed cocktail glasses to serve them in.

Shook

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Located at King and Portland, Shook is finally open again after sadly suffering from a fire shortly after opening in, what feels like a world away, September 2019. This vegetarian restaurant serves up gorgeous Israeli cuisine including traditional dips, Shakshouka, Tah-dig which is delicious crispy rice, and so much more. Plus, you can even check out their bottle shop and even purchase some pottery, cookbooks, DIY kits, and more.

Closings:

Fran’s Yonge Street

Sad news alert – iconic Toronto restaurant Fran’s is sadly closing one of its three locations. The Yonge and Front location is closing after being evicted by its landlord. The location opened in 2010 and is set to close its doors for good before the year ends. The diner’s College Street and Shuter Street locations are thankfully here to stay.

BOLO

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Say it isn’t so! Beloved Toronto gym BOLO has sadly announced the closure of its 7,000 square foot space that’s been a fixture on the TO fitness circuit since it opened in 2017. While this is incredibly devastating news, BOLO plans to continue to offer the community virtual classes oven Instagram Live and Zoom.