We’ve got some super exciting news. As of February 11th, the highly anticipated downtown Toronto Chick-fil-A location is open!
You can now head on over to 336 Queen Street West for some delicious chicken and waffle fries.
The new Chick-fil-A will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Order takeout or dine-in, whichever you prefer, plus, a third-party delivery service will be available shortly.
This spot was actually once home to a Le Chateau, an Urban Behaviour, and then David’s Tea until late 2014.
It’s now officially the sixth Chick-fil-A to open in Canada and the second in downtown Toronto.
The store opening is part of the company’s expansion plans as it just previously opened a location in Scarborough and in Kitchener in 2021. Chick-fil-A also operates a location on Yonge and Bloor, one in Yorkdale Shopping Centre, and another in Windsor.
Owner and Operator of the new restaurant, Keisse Azevedo, is thrilled to be serving the community with delicious, high-quality food stating in a release, “I’m excited to contribute to one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods by helping those in need in the Queen Street West community, providing personal growth opportunities to my team and showing care to all who walk through our doors.”
In honour of the new opening, Chick-fil-A has donated a whopping USD$25,000 to the Yonge Street Mission Evergreen Centre for Street-Involved Youth, an inclusive, comprehensive center for street-involved youth in Toronto. How awesome is that?
So, if you happen to be craving a fried chicken sandwich, be sure to make a stop by!
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Obsessed with chicken sandwiches and waffle fries? Well, you’re in luck! A Chick-fil-A will be opening soon in downtown Toronto at 336 Queen Street West.
The Toronto location that Chick-fil-A will be taking over was once home to a Le Chateau, an Urban Behaviour, and David’s Tea until late 2014.
Chick-fil-A is continuing its expansion plans as it previously opened a spot in August 2021 in Scarborough and the other in Kitchener. It also operates a location on Yonge and Bloor, one in Yorkdale Shopping Centre, and another in Windsor.
The Queen Street shop will be the sixth to open in Canada.
Anita Costello, executive vice president of International at Chick-fil-A Inc., said in a release, “We’re thrilled to continue growing in Canada by opening restaurants in Kitchener and Toronto… Like our first two locations, each restaurant will be locally owned and operated. The success of our business is built on local owner/operators who truly care about their restaurant and the community they serve.”
Unfortunately, with the new pandemic restrictions in Ontario, the Grand Opening will be delayed.
So, finger’s crossed that we can expect a grand opening shortly!
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Mouthwatering news is coming your way! Chick-fil-A is opening two new locations in Toronto this year.
Upon opening its doors in 2019, the company received backlash from Torontonians that were not so thrilled to welcome the chain restaurant. Regardless, Chick-Fil-A will continue to branch out and will be opening new locations. One will be in Scarborough Town Centre’s food court and another at 336 Queen Street West. The locations already operating in Toronto are at 1 Bloor Street and Yorkdale Mall.
This is all part of Chick-fil-A’s growth strategy in which it plans to open 20 more spaces in Canada by 2025.
The executive Vice President of International at Chick-fil-A Inc, Anita Costello, said in a press release that “We’re thrilled to continue growing in Canada by opening restaurants in Kitchener and Toronto. During these times, we’re grateful for the positive response we continue to receive from our Canadian customers and we are honoured to serve our new communities great-tasting food made with high-quality ingredients.”
Not only do we get to enjoy the crisp waffle fries, but Chick-fil-A will be donating $25,000 to a local food bank for every new location opening.
How awesome is that?
The company also stated that “The restaurants will open for business later this year and will create approximately 200-250 full- and part-time job opportunities.” So, if you love the chicken sandwich chain and are looking for work, you could get a job there too!
There are no set dates for the new openings, so stay tuned for updates.
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If you’re on the side of folks who love Chick-fil-A, you’ll be happy to hear that a second Toronto location is opening very soon.
According to a post on the Atlanta-based fast food chain’s website, Chick-fil-A Yorkdale will be opening on January 7, 2020.
The opening comes just four months after the first Toronto location opened at Yonge and Bloor in September 2019.
Despite protests and calls for boycott, it hasn’t stopped Torontonians from indulging in the controversial chain. The Yonge and Bloor’s Chick-fil-A regularly has lineups out the door, with some of the city’s favourite menu items being the Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich and the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.
North Torontonians itching to try Chick-fil-A can expect the restaurant to open in Yorkdale’s food court on January 7 at 10 a.m.
Like the location at Yonge and Bloor, Chick-fil-A Yorkdale will feature all of the signature menu items and in-line ordering, where team members take orders on tablets as soon as guests are in line for quicker service.
The new location will be open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and like all of the other chain’s restaurants, will be closed on Sundays.
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Throughout the years, the Canadian retail landscape has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
From the launches of major American beauty chains to the closures of popular brands, 2019 saw many impactful events that reshaped how Canadians shop.
Take a peek at some of the most important stories from Canadian retail 2019 below.
What’s The Deal With Toronto’s Last Zellers Store? We Take A Peek Inside
In 2019, there were two Zellers stores still open in Canada: one in Ottawa and another in Etobicoke. With the Ottawa location gearing up to shutter and the GTA location slated to close in January 2020, StyleDemocracy went inside the store to give readers one final look around. Continue reading.
Dollarama Is Listening To Shoppers Who Think Prices Are Too High
Dollarama has seen prices for items rise up to $3 or $4, something not all customers have been happy about. In 2016, the Montreal-based chain made a move towards better quality products. Using toothpicks as an example, Dollarama’s Chief Executive Officer Larry Rossy said, “it’s not so much that we can offer 500 toothpicks, but it’s more if we offer 200 very good toothpicks that the customer will be happy with, I think that’s what counts at the end. It’s a culture that we’re trying to instill in everyone. Again, it’s not quantity but quality that counts.” But now the company is singing a different tune. Continue reading.
The End Is Coming For An Iconic Toronto Footwear Store
Long-standing Toronto retailer, Davids Footwear, was placed in receivership after 60 years of business in the summer of 2019. For those unaware, receivership is when a “receiver” is appointed by a creditor to take over all of the assets, undertakings, and properties from the debtor. In the retail world, a receiver will host liquidation sales so that creditors can recoup their money. Continue reading.
A Big American Beauty Brand Is Making Plans To Open In Canada
Ulta Beauty is expected to open its first Canadian stores in late 2020 or early 2021. This is huge news for beauty lovers across the country. The Illinois-based beauty brand is similar to Sephora, but has larger stores and a wider range of prices, services, and products. Ulta carries everything from price-friendly favourites like Maybelline and Revolution Beauty, to higher end exclusives like Tarte Shape Tape and Kylie Cosmetics. Continue reading.
James Charles Will Be At Square One Shopping Centre For The Opening Of Morphe’s First Canadian Store
At the beginning of 2019, Morphe opened its first Canadian location in Mississauga at Square One Shopping Centre. To kick off the launch, the L.A.-based beauty brand pulled out the big guns, inviting YouTube beauty guru for the official ribbon cutting event. Of course, chaos ensued. Take a peek at the response the opening saw or inside the store.
A New Korean-Inspired Dollar Store Has Landed In Toronto
Who doesn’t love dollar stores? In this economy, finding anything that’s a bargain is pretty amazing so when we see something available for cheap, it’s basically love at first sight. Now, there’s a new Korean dollar store in town and we’re ready to get shopping. Korean-inspired dollar store, Mumuso has just opened its first location in Toronto at North York Centre. Continue reading.
Toronto’s First Chick-Fil-A Location Is Revealed
Over the past handful of years, we’ve seen more and more American companies infiltrate the Canadian market. We’ve seen in it retail, and we’ve seen it with many fast-food and restaurant chains as well. Notable eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, Cauldron Ice Cream, and Chin Chin have crossed the border. In the upcoming years, Toronto will also see a Nobu open their doors. But one of the most talked about openings has easily been fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A. Continue reading.
Gymboree Is Closing All Of Its Stores Across Canada
Gymboree has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in two years. In January 2019, it was announced that the children’s wear retailer was successful in its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company plans to close all of its Gymboree locations in Canada and the United States, as well as its Crazy 8 brand in the United States. Continue reading.
Dollarama Has Officially Opened Online Store In Canada
If you’re anything like us and don’t like wasting your time and money while shopping, you’ll be happy to know that Canada’s largest dollar store chain, Dollarama, launched its online store in January 2019. That means that starting today you can stock up on hundreds of Dollarama products from the comfort of your home and get them delivered right to your doorstep. Continue reading.
Take A Peek Inside Eataly’s First Canadian Location In Toronto
If your budget won’t allow you to travel all the way to Italy, then a visit to Canada’s first Eataly location at Bay and Bloor, in the newly renovated Manulife Centre, is most definitely the next best thing. Eataly Toronto opened in November 2019 and ever since, the 50,000 square foot space has been chock full with foodies alike who are filled to the brim with excitement. Continue reading.
Forever 21 Is Closing All Of Its Canadian Stores
This was another big story for Canadian retail 2019. At the end of September 2019, Forever 21 announced that it will be closing all of its Canadian locations. 44 Forever 21 stores closed across the country, including locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, and more. According to Retail-Insider, Forever 21 closed close to 880,000-square-feet of retail space in Canada. Continue reading.
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Regardless of the protests that went on when it opened, Atlanta-based chicken sandwich restaurant Chick-fil-A has major plans to expand with new locations.
The chain appears to be opening a second Toronto location as it just posted a few full-time and part-time job openings at Yorkdale Mall.
This second location is all part of the restaurants plans to open more than a dozen locations in Canada over the next five years, including locations in Southwestern Ontario and throughout Toronto.
Chick-fil-A is considered a very controversial company because of its president Dan T. Cathy who went public with his thoughts about same-sex marriage and support of “traditional” marriages. On top of its chicken sandwiches, the fast-food chain is also known for its conservative political views.
Despite all of the controversies, Chick-fil-A is seriously thriving in the United States.
The chain is currently on track to become the third most successful fast-food chain, surpassing Burger King, Subway, and Wendy’s.
When Chick-fil-A’s Yonge and Bloor location opened in September, the many protests didn’t stop folks from lining up around the block to get a taste of its iconic chicken sandwiches.
While there’s no word yet on when Chick-fil-A’s Yorkdale location will open, at least employees can enjoy Sundays off.
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Calling all Chick-fil-A fans! The American chain will be opening its first Canadian location in Toronto at the end of the week.
Chick-fil-A will open at 709 Yonge St. on Friday, September 6, 2019.
Announced in a news release earlier this week, the restaurant is said to feature “innovative ordering technology” with room for up to 70 diners. Torontonians can expect to see the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, the Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit, Chick-fil-A Nuggets, and Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries on the menu, as well as other signature items.
Instagram/@chickfilacanada
The chain restaurant will start welcoming guests 10:30 a.m. on its grand opening day.
Following it’s opening, the restaurant will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. In line with other Chick-fil-A restaurants, Toronto’s Chick-fil-A will be closed on Sundays so that team members can have a day off.
While some are excited for the chain to enter Canada, others feel differently.
For those unaware, Chick-fil-A has a notorious anti-gay history. The American chain made headlines back in 2012 when the company’s president Dan T. Cathy went public with his thoughts about same-sex marriage and support of “traditional” marriages. On top of its chicken sandwiches, the fast-food chain is also known for its conservative political views. The same year, Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation was found to have donated millions to groups funding anti-gay movements.
Since the chain’s announcements of plans to open across Canada, there have been a slew of mixed reactions about the Toronto location. There have been words of praise on social media, but also a call to boycott the restaurant.
If you are planning to visit the restaurant on opening day, be mindful of a protest that is scheduled to start promptly at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 6.
Featured image: Chick-fil-A
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It’s controversial and it’s coming soon, apparently. Toronto’s first Chick-fil-A restaurant is looking like it’ll open soon at Yonge and Bloor. It’s still up in the air whether the chain will experience success in Toronto, as it’s known for having anti-LGBTQ values, it seems only time will tell.
Chick-fil-A Toronto is opening at 1 Bloor East and from what we’re seeing online, it looks like it could be opening very soon.
A covered over sign was spotted a few days ago where the store is going to be and ever since, speculation on an opening date has been growing. In addition to the sign, it’s reported that employees have already picked up their uniforms, as well.
The chick fil a employees had their uniform pickup today. We’re getting closer to opening, Toronto! pic.twitter.com/3PlHmmsLdG
— KingKaylan (@kaylanreece) August 19, 2019
The most exciting reveal is the menu that’s been seen through the restaurants walls, as well as a tweet that goes as far to speculate when Chick-fil-A will actually be opening its doors.
In regard to the menu, assuming Chick-fil-A sticks with it’s principle of offering the same menu in all its locations, it’s safe to say that the Toronto location shouldn’t be any different.
Chick Fil A Toronto will be opening very soon, likely between Aug 26 — Sept 6. ???
— @sftyplus Exclusive pic.twitter.com/vq730WY6JE
— DUNCAN (@sftyduncan) August 19, 2019
Narcity reports that Chick-Fil-A is working on securing two more locations here in Ontario. This includes a North York location as well as one in southeastern Ontario. While they don’t specify where that third location is, the chain could be referring to the Hamilton or Niagara regions.
Instagram/@cfa_eastbroad
Featured Image: Instagram/@chickfila
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It’s no secret that Canada is a highly attractive market for international retailers. Every year we see dozens of new brands expanding to Canada in hopes of capturing the fast-growing and competitive new market.
And even though 2018 wasn’t the most successful year, with many local and international retailers filing for bankruptcy and closing their stores for good, there are still plenty of highly-anticipated bricks-and-mortar store openings waiting for us in 2019.
From restaurants to retail stores, below you will find some of the most anticipated international brands and retailers that will be opening stores in Toronto this year.
Eataly
Italian food concept Eataly represents a lively open-concept European market where visitors can shop, taste, and learn about high-quality Italian food at fair prices. Eataly will be offering everything from everyday groceries, cured meats, a selection of homemade cheeses to cooking workshops and in-shop eateries. As we reported earlier, Eataly will be a part of a $100 million Manulife Centre expansion and will span 50,000 square feet, and is slated to open some time in 2019. Founded by Italian Native, Oscar Farinetti, the first location was opened in Torino, Italy in 2007. Currently, there are Eataly outposts in such countries as Japan, China, and America, with locations opening in Australia, England, and more.
Chick-Fil-A
If you’re a fan of breaded chicken sandwiches and chicken in general, this news is for you! Last year the iconic American restaurant chain Chick-fil-A announced plans to open more than a dozen restaurants in Canada over the next few years and we couldn’t be more excited. The first Toronto location is set to open in the GTA this year at Bloor and Yonge. At the moment the company operates more than 2,300 restaurants in the United States.
L.L. Bean
Instagram/ @llbean
This American company that specializes in clothing and outdoor recreation equipment was launched in 1912 in Freeport, Maine. The company started with just one product: their famous Maine Hunting Shoe (also known as Bean Boots). While there are no standalone L.L. Bean stores in Canada yet, the brand already launched a Canadian e-commerce site and is currently selling its products at 24 Canadian retailers including Sporting Life, MEC, and SportChek. You can expect to see the store open at Oakville Place, where it will reportedly be taking over the old Pusateri’s space later this year.
Innisfree
Instagram/@lilynotlouise
Innisfree is an all-natural cosmetic brand based in South Korea with over hundreds of stores across the globe, which promotes 33 health, beauty, and personal brands. The company’s concept is “Clean Island, where clean nature and healthy beauty coexist happily.” Innisfree uses 80% natural ingredients, and the best part is that all their products are fairly affordable, ranging from $20-30. Expect to see the K-beauty brand’s first Canadian store to open at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2019.
Reformation
StyleDemocracy
Calling all cool girls! Popular sustainable L.A.-based brand Reformation is going international, with its first retail location outside of the United States based in Canada. Reformation opened its doors to Canadians at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in July 2019 and shoppers can expect to see the brand’s beautiful dresses, denim, footwear, and more.
HEMA Amsterdam
Facebook/HEMA
Known for its high-quality design and competitive pricing, HEMA is a popular European retailer that sells household goods, beauty products, clothing, and more. Earlier this year, the value-based retailer announced that it would be launching in Ontario later this year through a partnership with Walmart. If all goes to plan, you’ll soon start to see HEMA stores inside of larger form Walmart stores.
Ximivogue
Instagram/@ximivogue.official
It seems like many value-based variety retailers have eyes set on Canada this year, as Korean-inspired Ximivogue is reportedly opening stores at both Sherway Gardens and CF Fairview Mall later this year. Expect to see lots of beauty and skincare, home accessories, electronics and home decor all at low prices.
MUMUSO
Instagram/@mumuso_ca
And Ximivogue isn’t the only Korean-inspired variety Torontonians will be able to shop this year. MUMUSO, a Korean-inspired dollar store, opened its first Canadian location in July 2019 at the North York Centre. Though the brand is based in China, its business and products are marketed as Korean. Offerings include apparel, kitchen items, accessories, and much more.
Featured image: Facebook/HEMA
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Over the past handful of years, we’ve seen more and more American companies infiltrate the Canadian market. We’ve seen in it retail, and we’ve seen it with many fast-food and restaurant chains as well.
Notable eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, Cauldron Ice Cream, and Chin Chin have crossed the border. In the upcoming years, Toronto will also see a Nobu open their doors. But one of the most talked about openings has easily been fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A.
Chick-Fil-A recently announced the address of its first Toronto location.
Located at 1 Bloor St. East, Chick-fil-A joins McEwan Foods and Nordstrom Rack at the newly developed First Capital Realty-owned property.
Back in July 2018, the American restaurant chain announced that it has plans to open more than a dozen restaurants in Canada over the next five years. The Bloor and Yonge Chick-fil-A location will be the restaurant’s second location in Canada, with the first located at the Calgary International Airport.
In addition to the Yonge and Bloor location, according to Narcity, Chick-Fil-A has plans to open restaurants in North York, and all throughout the city and one Southwestern Ontario. No word yet on if the Southwestern Ontario location could be in Hamilton or the Niagara regions.
The restaurant chain is making it fairly easy for Canadians to get in on the franchise business, with the entry for ownership set at just $15,000. To put that into perspective, many other Canadian franchises request between $100,000 and $300,000 in order to become an operator.
Instagram/@cfa_eastbroad
However, Chick-fil-A’s Canadian expansion doesn’t come without its fair share of controversy.
Chick-fil-A made headlines back in 2012 when the company’s president Dan T. Cathy went public with his thoughts about same-sex marriage and support of “traditional” marriages. On top of its chicken sandwiches, the fast-food chain is also known for its conservative political views.
Considering the company’s past, the intersection at Bloor and Yonge is an interesting choice for the restaurant, as The Village — the hub for Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ community — is just a few blocks away.
When news originally broke of the chain’s entry into Canada, social media had mixed reactions. Some people praised Chick-fil-A’s food and service, while others felt quite differently, and even proclaimed an early boycott of the restaurant.
Instagram/@brunchtillimbroke
The opening date for Chick-fil-A’s first Toronto location is still under wraps.
Even though there’s no word yet on an opening date, according to Narcity, the company did say that this location will open within the year and when it does, it will employ 75 people.
Despite controversies, Chick-fil-A is thriving in the United States. It is currently on track to become the third most successful fast-food chain, surpassing Burger King, Subway, and Wendy’s.
Whether the restaurant will see the same success in Canada is a whole other story, and only time will tell if Canadians will be as accepting of the chain.
Featured image: Instagram/@chickfila7thandfig
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