2016 is almost over, and we look back at all the new businesses we welcomed to the neighbourhood this year, and the ones that closed. Here is our 2016 in Review of the changes in Ossington Village this past year.
Ufficio Restaurant opened January 2016
At the very start of the new year, we welcomed new Italian fish focused restaurant Ufficio. Still serving dinner most nights, Ufficio is located at 1234 Dundas West.
Bridge + Bardot closed January 2016
Women’s fashion boutique Bridge + Bardot was open on Dundas West for 3 1/2 years. The shop closed in January to focus on their online store, which is still operating.
Rock Lobster Closed, Baby Huey Moved Into the Space, March 2016
Ossington restaurant Rock Lobster shuttered in early March, but the space was not empty long. Almost immediately, Ossington bar Baby Huey took over the space at 110 Ossington. All the Rock Lobster locations – there were 3 across the city at it’s peak – are now closed. However, you can purchase the lobster chowder and other dishes from owner/cook Matt Dean Petit through his Matty’s Seafoods brand at Sobeys across Canada.
Almighty Bao Opened at Churchill Bar in March
Almighty Bao was the latest pop-up kitchen to take over Churchill Bar at 1212 Dundas Street West. They spent the better part of the year serving guests at the bar their steamed buns. We just learned that Almighty Bao has finished at Churchill. We’ll keep you posted as to who is next in the kitchen there.
Marijuana Dispensaries Opened and some are still here
The influx of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city did not miss Ossington Village. In fact, over the course of the year, we had 5 open on Ossington and Dundas West.
- The Epicure opened in March and closed in July.
- Ossington Dispensary opened on April 20th – the first of its kind on Ossington, at 198 Ossington Avenue. The business closed this December.
- Twisted Smoke Haberdashery opened at 1245 Dundas West in May, and closed in September.
- Eden Dispensary opened at 1269 Dundas Street West in June.
- Canna Clinic opened on Ossington in July 2016
Té Opened on Ossington, April 2016
Ossington got a new restaurant in Té at 70 Ossington. The Asian fusion spot serves dinner and weekend brunch, and they even have a back patio!
Portuguese Restaurant Moliceiro Opened, April 2016
Moliceiro opened up in the former Fishbar location at 217 Ossington last April, serving Portuguese food.
VdeV Expanded from Quebec to Ossington, April 2016
Ossington got a brand new home decor shop in April. VdeV brought Quebec charm to 120 Ossington, with all sorts of products available for your home.
Rashers Brought Bacon Sandwiches to Ossington, May 2016
Rashers opened on 182 Ossington this May, and is serving breakfast and lunch all day from the storefront.
Porter House Closed, June 2016, Replaced by MoTo Snack Bar, October 2016
Dundas West vegan resto/craft beer bar Porter House closed its doors in June. Dundas West got a new Italian snack bar when Moto Snack Bar opened at 1321 Dundas West in October.
Harley Davidson Cafe Popped up from June – September 2016
A pop up coffee shop was not the first thing that came to mind for the Harley Davidson brand, but the spot was very popular on Ossington this summer, until it closed in September.
The Saint closed August 2016
Popular bistro The Saint shuttered in August, leaving us without our maple flavored bacon brunches. The good news is that the team behind the restaurant, and others in the city, is retaining the space to open La Banane soon.
Peace Collective Opened in September
Toronto fashion brand Peace Collective opened their first store, and a milkshake counter, at 131 Ossington in September.
CMC Gallery closed, replaced by Barber and Co
89 Ossington changed from the long-held gallery/studio CMC to the newly opened men’s grooming spot Barber & Co.
Hungry Amoo Opened September 2016
Ossington welcomed another new restaurant when Hungry Amoo opened its doors in the space north of Union in September. Open for dinners and weekend brunch, the restaurant serves a fusion of international cuisines and unique cocktails from 74 Ossington Avenue
Lust for Lashes Opened on Dundas West in September
Dundas and Ossington got a new brow bar when Lust for Lashes moved from another part of Toronto in September. the salon is located on the main floor of Abacus Lofts at 1241 Dundas West.
Smoke Signals BBQ Opened in October
Toronto pop-up barbecue joint Smoke Signals opened its own location on Dundas West, just past Ossington this October. The restaurant, at 1242 Dundas Street West, has been selling out its ribs and brisket many weekends, so we expect them to stay around for a while.
New Pizza Place Super Point Opened October 2016
Ossington got a new pizza place in Super Point. Eat in, take out, and soon maybe even delivery, Super Point opened at 184 Ossington in October and is feeding the masses.
Sweet Addictions Candy Store Came to Dundas West in October
Just in time for Halloween, unique candy and snack store Sweet Addictions opened its doors on Dundas West in the spot next to Lakeview Lunch.
Play Is Another New Retail Store on Ossington, Opened November 2016
Ossington got another fashion retailer in Play in November 2016. The store sells men’s and women’s designers from mostly across Europe.
Barber & Co Opened a Barber Shop and Cocktail Bar, December 2016
A former artist’s studio is now occupied by Barber & Co, a group from Vancouver. The space is not only a barber shop but a cool and tiny cocktail bar at 89 Ossington Avenue.
Lululemon Opened a Concept Store on Ossington, December 2016
Another Vancouver brand opened a new store on Ossington in December. The Local is now selling men’s sportswear at 96 Ossington Ave.
Looking Ahead to 2017
A year of much change is likely, if based on every year we’ve witnessed in Ossington Village.
We already know of a few expected openings, like Ride Cycle Club and La Banane. Hoping less closures than last year, but the one good thing about closures is they do make room for other ventures.
Happy New Year!
