Category: Bayview Biz

“Oriental Shawarma Coming Soon” to 1549 Bayview Ave.

“Oriental Shawarma Coming Soon” to 1549 Bayview Ave.

1560B Bayview Ave has been leased

A few more changes spotted along Bayview this week.

At 1549 Bayview Ave., the former Bayview Shawarma is under new ownership. Signs in the window now read “Oriental Shawarma Coming Soon,” suggesting a new restaurant may be preparing to open in the space shortly.

Across the street at 1560B Bayview Ave., a “leased” sign has been added above the “for lease” notice at the former 9Round kickboxing studio location. No word yet on what business will be moving in.

There are also signs of activity at Mamma’s Pizza (1627 Bayview Ave.). The cardboard that had been covering the windows has come down, and the interior appears to be getting a thorough clean-up — raising the possibility that the shop may be preparing to reopen.

Meanwhile, Rahier Patisserie (1586 Bayview Ave.) is temporarily closed while the bakery undergoes renovations and a full store refresh. According to a message shared on the shop’s social media, the closure is expected to last until March 18, 2026.

Photo credit: @mysweetiepie.ca / Instagram

Screenshot via Instagram (@mysweetiepie.ca)

A quick update following yesterday’s Bayview Biz post. Sweetie Pie has announced that it is back open at 1639 Bayview Ave.

The shop posted on Instagram, “Hey Leaside after our brief hiatus we are back!!! Same great pies, wonderful staff and of course great coffee!! … We missed you Leaside!!”

More details can be found on Sweetie Pie’s Instagram announcement or visit their website.

West Coast Kids expansion into 446a Manor Rd E.

Former vacuum store at 446a Manor Rd E /Google Streetview (2024) screenshot

Modella Ladieswear closing Bayview location (only)

Sweetie Pie (Leased) has moved out of 1639 Bayview Ave.

Live Music nights at Fairway Restaurant & Bar

Mamma’s Pizza, 1627 Bayview Ave

Interior of Mamma’s Pizza, 1627 Bayview Ave. (February 2026)

There’s been plenty of quiet movement along Bayview in recent weeks, with several storefront changes and updates for local shoppers.

West Coast Kids continues to expand its already substantial footprint on Bayview, having taken over the former Bayview Manor Appliance (vacuum sales) space at 446A Manor Rd. E. Exterior renovations appear complete with a refreshed façade, new windows and double doors now installed. Signage is up, though the windows remain papered over as the space prepares to open.

Further south, signs in the window at 1579 Bayview indicate that Modella Ladieswear is closing its Bayview location only, with remaining stock now on sale. Other Modella locations remain open; store details can be found via their store locator.

Sweetie Pie has also vacated its Leaside shop at 1639 Bayview Ave. (with the entrance formerly around the corner on Fleming Cres.). Fans can still visit other locations listed on the company’s website.

At 1660 Bayview Ave., Fairway Restaurant & Bar continues to evolve, with an updated food menu and the addition of live music evenings. Signage out front is currently advertising a Feb. 26th performance and encouraging reservations. More information is available on the restaurant’s website. Longtime residents will remember the address as the former home of Original’s, which operated there for decades.

And finally, a bit of a mystery: Mamma’s Pizza at 1627 Bayview Ave. appears closed. The signage remains, but inside the shelves are bare and the space looks largely cleared out — with no “for rent” notice yet posted. Google currently lists the location as “temporarily closed,” though exactly what that means remains unclear. Stay tuned.

Spotted something new to report? Let us know. 🙂

UPDATE: February 27, 2026 — Sweetie Pie has announced that it is back open at 1639 Bayview Ave. The shop posted on Instagram, “Hey Leaside after our brief hiatus we are back!!! Same great pies, wonderful staff and of course great coffee!! … We missed you Leaside!!”

The local optometry community continues to feel the loss of Dr. Jonathan Slivka, who cared for patients in the neighbourhood for more than 16 years and is remembered for his compassionate, dedicated approach to care.

Patients have now been advised that Leaside Eye Clinic (1532 Bayview Ave.) will continue operating, with care transitioning to the team led by Dr. Olga Savitska of nearby Bayview Vision (1709 Bayview Ave.). The Bayview Vision team will continue seeing patients at the 1532 Bayview Avenue location, while also offering additional appointment availability and services further north at 1709 Bayview.

The eyewear retail shop operating as Vizio Eyewear at 1532 Bayview Avenue remains open and continues to serve the community.

More information:

• Remembering Dr. Jonathan Slivka | Bayview News
• Bayview Vision

Toronto experienced a once-in-a-generation snowstorm on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with record snowfall totals reported across the city.

Below are two short videos filmed on Bayview Avenue — the first captured mid-storm, and the second filmed the following afternoon under brighter skies after roads had been plowed.

A snowy walk in the Bayview Leaside BIA

Filmed January 25, 2026 (afternoon) — mid-storm, just a few hours after the snow began really coming down.

After the storm: cleared roads & bright skies in the Bayview Leaside BIA

Filmed January 26, 2026 (afternoon) — the day after the storm, under sunny skies, with roads plowed and the neighbourhood beginning to dig out.

How much snow fell?

According to CityNews, Environment Canada’s updated snowfall analysis reported:

• 61 cm fell in downtown Toronto, one of the highest totals ever observed in the core
• 46 cm fell at Toronto Pearson Airport, making it the snowiest day on record for the site
• With earlier snowfall included, January 2026 became Toronto’s snowiest January — and snowiest month overall — since records began in 1937

Sources:

• CityNews.ca – Toronto buried under record snowfall as downtown hit with 61 cm
• GlobalNews.ca – Snow day: Toronto digs itself out of mountains of snow after record storm

Just a reminder for area residents to take note of designated snow routes.

On January 25, 2026, the City of Toronto activated its second Major Snow Event Response Plan (MSERP) of the year, declaring a Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event.

While this declaration is in effect, parking on snow routes is strictly prohibited. These routes are marked with permanent snow-route signage, and enforcement is active to allow crews to clear roads.

Parking on a designated snow route during a major snow event can result in fines of up to $500 and towing. Temporary orange No Parking – Snow Removal signs carry a $100 ticket and possible towing.

Full media release and additional information are available on the City’s website.

Editor’s note: The Bulldog has seen quite a few ticketed cars along Bayview since the storm. Consider this a friendly heads-up.

UPDATE

The City of Toronto advises that the Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declarations put in place on January 25, 2026 officially ended February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. Read City of Toronto news release.

Chon Modern Thai Cuisine /@chonthaicuisine

Bayview Car Wash, January 2026

Mandarin, Canada Square /Google Maps screenshot

Chon Modern Thai Cuisine opened in December 2025 at 1677 Bayview Avenue, taking over the former Pii Nong Thai space. The restaurant announced its opening on Instagram, and was also featured in a blogTO article published in December, which noted the restaurant’s focus on modern interpretations of traditional Thai cuisine.

A long-standing Bayview florist is shifting its retail model. The Flower Nook (1731 Bayview Avenue, Unit 2), a decades-old business with a long history on Bayview Avenue, is no longer offering in-store shopping. According to its website, orders are still handled online, with in-person meetings available by appointment only.

Moving south, two Bayview restaurants have closed. Zzavia Pizza (1597 Bayview Ave.) and Rumi Steakhouse (1599 Bayview Ave.) are no longer in operation. Zzavia Pizza opened in 2024 and was previously covered by the Bulldog when it launched (background here).

Bayview Car Wash (1802 Bayview Ave) is currently closed. Based on activity observed on site, the closure appears to be related to soil or environmental testing. We attempted to contact the business to confirm whether — and when — it may reopen, but were unable to reach anyone by phone. All equipment and signage remain in place, which could suggest the closure is temporary. That said, the property has been approved for future redevelopment, which is expected to eventually bring the car wash’s time at this location to an end (background here).

Outside the Bayview corridor but of interest to many local residents, The Mandarin Restaurant at Yonge & Eglinton (Canada Square) has announced it will be closing permanently. In a statement shared on social media, Mandarin cited area redevelopment and confirmed its final day of operation will be January 18, 2026. The post notes the location has served the community since opening in 1991, and that other Mandarin locations across Ontario will continue to operate.

The Bayview Holiday Market popped up today at 1541 Bayview (between Cobs & Starbucks). Find gifts, home décor, toys, books, and games all December long — open Dec 1st – 31st, 2025! 🎄

David Illiatovitch-Owen, De La Mer Fresh Fish Market /Facebook @delamerTO

David Illiatovitch-Owen /Mount Pleasant Group

We’re excited to share news of an extraordinary project in honour of David Illiatovitch-Owen: a new podcast, My Brother David, coming in 2026 from Sarah Illiatovitch-Goldman in partnership with iHeart Media.

Many long-time Bayview readers will remember David as the spirited proprietor of De La Mer Fresh Fish & Seafood. While he had a soft side, his friends and family fondly remember his razor-sharp wit, unapologetically unfiltered opinions, and language spicy enough to require its own disclaimer — in other words, the ideal co-pilot for this podcast.

His presence in the community left a lasting mark, and now his voice and story will reach even farther. In 2023, at age 48, David passed away after fighting a courageous and lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

iHeart Media is co-producing My Brother David, providing major support for recording, production, promotion, and distribution, with the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of listeners. Sarah’s team, including world-renowned podcaster Julie Shapiro, is hard at work bringing the project to life — and additional donations to Cue6 Theatre (a registered non-profit) will help ensure the podcast reaches its full potential. Contributions are tax-deductible and deeply appreciated.

Read more about the project, in the words of David’s father, Jeff:

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,

As you may recall, when my son, David, was informed in 2022 that his treatment for pancreatic cancer had been unsuccessful resulting in a terminal prognosis, he asked his younger sister, Sarah, to record his thoughts and experiences so that others might learn from his journey and receive some measure of comfort from someone fighting a similar battle. It was David’s wish that, if possible, these recordings be transformed into a podcast with as wide a reach as possible. To assist in facilitating that dream, Sarah started a Go Fund Me campaign to obtain seed money for production and you were kind and generous in donating to this cause. Sarah and her team used the contributions from you to produce high quality samples of what the podcast might be and then knocked on countless doors in search of media companies that would want to move the project forward.

Read more →

Grocery gossip follow-up: the new No Frills at 1678 Bayview Avenue has announced they will open on September 11th, 2025. Fresh banners are up outside, with permanent signs still to come — so yes, the rumours were true, and Bayview is back in the grocery game.