Category: Bayview Biz

BAYVIEW BIZ: Restaurants roll out fresh looks and menus

Bayview Avenue restaurants have been busy making changes over the past few weeks, with some refreshing their spaces and others expanding their offerings.

Eggstatic Back After Glow-Up
Eggstatic (1568 Bayview Ave) closed briefly in late August for a “glow-up,” reopening in time for the Labour Day long weekend. Regulars can once again enjoy brunch plates at the refreshed spot.

Mirage Patio Upgrade
Mirage (1620 Bayview Ave) has upgraded its patio with new touches, including decorative lighting. The changes give diners a covered option while still enjoying open-air dining.

Dinner Coming to Tiarré’s Brunch n Cakes
Known for its brunch, Tiarré’s Brunch n Cakes (1614 Bayview Ave) will soon begin offering dinner service. The new “Dinner, Drinks & Dessert” option launches September 5, 2025, adding an evening component to the café’s lineup.

Letter to the Editor: Bayview’s new No Frills is taking shape


A few weeks ago, you reported that the site where the former Sweet Potato was located was being renovated, and it would likely reopen as a new No Frills supermarket. I just want to confirm that this is correct – I walked by the site this morning, the windows are still covered by paper, but I was able to find a crack to peek inside. I saw a No Frills sign inside. I also saw that several of the shelves were already stocked with food, and there were shopping carts inside as well. I also saw contractors tools and the usual dust and debris on the ground that you would see during a renovation, but I get the sense that the store should be opening soon, perhaps in the next few weeks? ~Edmund

Thanks, Edmund! We checked it out too and spotted the shelves starting to fill up. Looks like they’re almost ready—opening day could be just around the corner.

If you have neighbourhood news you’d like to share, please visit bayview-news.com/submit-news and submit your tips!

BAYVIEW BIZ: Rumi on Bayview — the wait may be over!

It’s been a looooong wait, but there are signs that Rumi Turkish Cuisine (1599 Bayview) is finally nearing its debut! The plywood that’s been blocking the front entrance for ages is gone, and a Now Hiring sign has appeared in the window. After all the ups and downs since plans were first announced in 2022, could Bayview’s swanky new Turkish spot soon be ready to welcome diners?

Bayview bites & bright lights: What’s new on the strip

Things are cooking — literally and figuratively — on Bayview Avenue! Here’s a fun round-up of local food and storefront updates to catch your eye (and maybe your taste buds):

First up, Fairway Restaurant & Bar (1660 Bayview) has a new sign up, and a sandwich board out front reads “Coming Soon.” They’re also hiring. After a long wait for something to replace the old Original’s, it’s exciting to see Fairway finally taking shape.

Just down the street, Hermie’s (1595 Bayview) has revamped its patio — gone is the oversized wooden structure from a previous business, making room for an inviting, open setup for the summer season.

Lemongrass (1630 Bayview) is quietly mixing things up! In addition to their usual Asian fusion fare, they now offer a Brazilian menu. Not new exactly, but a fun surprise if you haven’t been in a while!

Renovations at Just Chicken Portuguese BBQ (1703 Bayview) are ongoing, but the freshly painted white facade hints that opening day might be on the horizon.

Kamasutra Indian Cuisine (1522 Bayview) has a new look and a new direction, rebranded as “Chefs of Pauri Khal.” Check out their updated menu by Masterchef Virender Singh and the new Instagram account: @chefsofpaurikhal.

Over at Bonnie Byford Real Estate, something is lighting up the window — literally. A bright neon red maple leaf is turning heads, and one lucky visitor will win one of their own! Drop by the office (1536 Bayview) or visit bonniebyford.com to fill out a ballot and enter the draw before June 27, 2025.

And finally — grocery gossip alert, breaking news, hold onto your reusable shopping bags — brown paper has gone up over the windows of the vacant storefront at 1678 Bayview, just north of Hillsdale (formerly home to Sweet Potato). According to the City of Toronto’s website, a permit has been issued for interior renovations… for No Frills! Could it really be true? Is a grocery store finally returning to Bayview? Our carts are ready.

Whether you’re grabbing lunch, scouting a patio, or just walking the strip — there’s plenty to see (and speculate about) on Bayview these days. Got an update? Let us know!

Remembering Dr. Jonathan Slivka (Leaside Family Eyecare)

Our neighbourhood is mourning the loss of Dr. Jonathan “Jono” Slivka, optometrist and founder of Leaside Family Eyecare, who passed away on June 8, 2025 after a courageous journey with Crohn’s disease and lymphoma.

Dr. Slivka brought his warmth, wit, and clinical expertise to patients in Toronto and beyond. After years serving the Palm Desert community and volunteering with the Lion’s Club in Mexico, he returned home to practice at the Herzig Eye Institute before opening his own clinic. Known for his gentle manner and steadfast care, he touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.

Funeral and shiva details are available via Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel.

Debora Kuchme: Bayview’s gardener, guide, and green spirit

We are deeply saddened to share that Debora Kuchme, long-time Bayview-Leaside area resident and passionate community advocate, passed away on May 21, 2025, in her 69th year.

Born in Hamilton, Debora moved to Toronto to pursue a career in fashion, launching her own label in the 1980s. In later years, she channeled her creativity and love of nature into environmental work—founding the Bayview Pixies, contributing as a gardening columnist for Leaside Life, and championing sustainable practices throughout the neighbourhood.

The Bayview Pixies, created in partnership with the Bayview Leaside BIA in 2016, transformed neglected sidewalk planters into native gardens. Wearing their green-and-black aprons, this dedicated group of volunteers became a familiar and welcome sight along Bayview. They watered with rain barrels, planted with care, and brought joy and life to the street.

Debora was also instrumental in local events like AppleFest and environmental initiatives including the Earth Day seed giveaway. Her efforts were formally recognized at the Don Valley West Volunteer Awards in 2018.

Though the Pixies have since retired their gardening gloves, they remain close-knit thanks to Debora’s lasting influence and the spirit of community she nurtured. She will be fondly remembered for her warmth, her vision, and the deep roots she planted across our neighbourhood.

For more on her life and contributions, visit:

Sources: Leaside Life (June 2025), Toronto Star obituary, and Bayview News archives (2017–2024)

Sidewalk Sensation returns to Bayview Ave – June 14th

“Sidewalk Sensation” Returns to Bayview Avenue – June 14, 2025

Mark your calendar for a day of fun, shopping, and community spirit! The Bayview Leaside BIA invites everyone to Sidewalk Sensation on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Bayview Avenue will be buzzing from Parkhurst Blvd. to Davisville Ave. with live entertainment, free giveaways, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great chance to explore local shops, discover a Father’s Day gift, and enjoy the lively neighbourhood vibe.

✨ Highlights include:

  • 🎨 Free face painting for the kids
  • 🖍️ Colour-in greeting cards for all ages
  • 🛍️ Free reusable shopping bags (while supplies last)
  • 🥤 Coupons for a free drink or snack (while supplies last)
  • 🍴 Tasty food samples from local restaurants

Admission is free and the fun is guaranteed—bring the whole family and celebrate all things local!

Organized by the Bayview Leaside BIA. Follow @bayviewleasidebia for updates.

Signs of spring sprout along Bayview Ave

Spring has sprung!

A sure sign of spring: new pansies and fresh seasonal touches have arrived in the planters along Bayview Avenue! After being cleaned out last week, the Bayview-Leaside BIA’s planters were recently refreshed with cheerful blooms — adding a much-needed pop of colour to the neighbourhood.

Midtown movers, pickleball, pub grub & artsy endeavours

Pickleball Takes Over Former Mercedes Dealership

If you’ve been wondering what’s going on at the old Mercedes-Benz dealership east of Laird and Eglinton, the answer is… pickleball! Fairgrounds, a growing network of racquet clubs, is bringing 13 pickleball courts and four padel courts to Leaside this summer. It’ll be a one-stop spot for playing, learning, and even chilling afterward — complete with saunas, lounges, and a retail shop for all your pickleball gear needs. This isn’t a permanent setup though; the space will eventually be redeveloped. In the meantime, game on! (Read more here: Streets of Toronto)

Goodbye to the Yellow & White Stripes

A bittersweet farewell to the bright awning of TodaysMenu at 852 Millwood Road. As of March 25, 2025, TodaysMenu ended its Leaside pickup service, due to rising rents — but good news — their popular delivery service will continue across the Toronto GTA. The TodaysMenu team says in a sign in their window, “We have loved being part of the Leaside community.” You can continue to order online at TodaysMenu.ca.

FREE Easter Colouring Books! 🐰🎨

Visit Bonnie Byford Real Estate during business hours and pick up your free Easter colouring book (while supplies last)! Bonnie Byford Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage 📍 1536 Bayview Avenue @ of Millwood Rd.

Craig’s Cookies 7th Anniversary Giveaway

As a thank you to loyal customers, old and new, on Tuesday, April 8th, Craig’s Cookies is turning SEVEN! 🥳 To celebrate, they’re giving a FREE Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie to all walk-in customers at ALL of their locations! ⁠*Tuesday, April 8th only.⁠* No purchase necessary.⁠ 1 cookie per in store customer.⁠ Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie only, no substitutions.⁠ Visit their Bayview-Leaside location at 1581 Bayview Avenue.

Butter Studio’s Moving Sale Continues
2 ways to shop: In person Tuesday/Friday/Saturday from 2:30-5 (April 1-15); and online with shipping options. Take advantage of the discounts while they last — Butter Studio at 1515A Bayview Avenue Suite 200.

Opening Soon on Merton Street

Big news for food lovers: Atef Girgis — the man behind Village Idiot, Prenup Pub, Town Crier and Sin and Redemption — is about to open Ends Meet at 228 Merton St (former location of the Red Lantern). This new hybrid bistro and pub will feature two unique spaces: an upstairs European bistro (mostly Italian menu) and a cozy pub downstairs with classic comfort fare like wings, burgers, flatbread pizza, and hearty apps. Girgis, recently honoured with the Knighthood of the Brewers’ Paddle, says the name Ends Meet reflects his goal to keep dining affordable so people can continue enjoying nights out without breaking the bank. (Read more here: Streets of Toronto)

Summer Camp Idea in Moore Park

Not heading to overnight camp this year? Creative Turtle is offering Art & Design Summer Camps for kids aged 4–18 years old in a small group setting at their Moore Park studio. Sessions are running July and August. Learn more here: @creative_turtle_art_school.

No foolin’ — pizza party frenzy at Maker Pizza Bayview!

Maker Pizza, 1674 Bayview Ave., April 1st 2025

Toronto loves its pizza, and today’s massive Maker Pizza Bayview & Skip giveaway proved it. The lunchtime lineup wrapped around the corner — snaking up Bayview and spilling onto Soudan. Despite the chilly 3°C weather, spirits were warm thanks to a DJ spinning upbeat music and swag giveaways. By 3:30 p.m., hundreds of piping-hot Margherita pizzas had already been handed out, with dozens more eager foodies still queued up, lured by the promise of a free pie. They say nothing in life is free — but for a few sunny hours on Bayview, Maker Pizza proved otherwise. Not a bad way to spend a chilly afternoon! More on BlogTO.

Portuguese BBQ “Just Chicken” coming soon to Bayview

Just Chicken – COMING SOON to 1703 Bayview!

A new eatery is on its way to 1703 Bayview Avenue, with signage in the window announcing the upcoming arrival of Just Chicken Portuguese BBQ. A building permit is also posted, indicating renovations are underway. The location was previously home to the Academy of Culinary Arts, which closed in April 2020.

Homebody Studio grand opening this Saturday


Bayview’s newest lifestyle boutique, Homebody Studio, is set to open its doors at 1575 Bayview Avenue this Saturday, March 22, 2025. Announced on their Instagram, the grand opening will welcome shoppers looking for a little bit of everything for the home or for the body.