Changes are likely in coming months for Second Cup in South Bayview. The current franchisee at 1595 Bayview Ave. seems set to let his option lapse at the end of December of this year. The well-liked and successful businessman Hong Nho acquired the Second Cup as full-time employment five years ago. In the interim, he has added other business interests. His departure will almost certainly prompt the Second Cup operation to renovate the property at this location. It has been a Second Cup under at least three franchisees since it was vacated by Marion and J.D. when they moved the Sleuth of Baker Street across Bayview. Now a new franchisee with the fairly substantial money to buy in will have to be found, And it isn’t just the money. As Second Cup knows, even well-heeled franchisees may be ill-suited to this highly social occupation. The Bayview location seems all the more important to Second Cup headquarters because their presence in South Bayview is facing change elsewhere. The location at Mount Pleasant Rd and Eglinton Ave. E, a former bank building, has been taken by Metrolinx for the construction of the LRT stop at that corner. A similar fate seems to await the Second Cup in the little strip mall on the southwest corner of Laird Drive at Eglinton. That property is to be the site of an LRT station as well. This update on Second Cup has generated some memories at the Bulldog offices. Take a look at the picture published here on May 23, 2011.
The May 2011 gang at Second Cup, 1595 Bayview. Top left to right: Hong Ngo, Ally, Gabe and Sadie. Second row from left, Andy, Steve, Sophie and Matt.
