Bayview’s buzzing with new retail life on the strip

Photo By Robin Dickie.

There is plenty of buzz on Bayview these days. It seems every other shop is new or opening soon. For those of us who pass by daily, it can be hard to keep up.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the new businesses on the strip:

2 BROS CUISINE: Formerly Rosie’s Kitchen, this place offers a taste of the Mediterranean, namely chicken shawarma, gyros, kebab, falafel, Greek or tabouli salad, samosas and more. Oh, and poutine, for good measure. I haven’t tried it yet, but if the Leaside Community Facebook page is any indication, the locals are loving it. Open daily until 10 p.m. (1549 Bayview)

ALPHA 2 OMEGA: European fashion for men and women. This little shop is next to the Toronto Hapkido Academy. Their store offers the latest styles in bags, purses and accessories, unique shoes and clothes. (1669 Bayview)

Alpha to Omega
Photo By Robin Dickie.

CUMBRAE’S: Technically a reopening (on Sept. 21), but Cumbrae’s butcher shop has moved down and across the road for a bigger shop with “more of a market feel.” The new space includes a small seating area, hot sandwiches made fresh, and rotisserie chicken for those on the go. (1591 Bayview)

GHAZAL RUG GALLERY: This place is all things rugs: Persian, Oriental, modern and more. As Leaside residents, they are happy to bring their shop closer to home. A family business of three generations, they sell rugs and carpets, as well as offer appraisals, restorations, rentals and carpet cleaning services. (1693B Bayview)

Ghazal Rug Gallery
Photo By Robin Dickie.

MAYRIK: Meaning “mother” in Armenian, Mayrik replaces Vero Trattoria with some new food for your face. Armenian and Eastern-Mediterranean cuisine gives Leaside some tasty choices like freshly made baba ghanoush, Armenian dumplings, free-range chicken, steak, lamb and fish of the day. Seb and Aram run the restaurant, aiming to provide “an escape to the Mediterranean” while “bringing the downtown to midtown.” (1580 Bayview)

THE RITZ MEN’S HAIRCUT: A former barber to the stars in Israel, owner Eli has been in the spotlight working with top clients from London, New York and Paris as well. These days, Eli is shining his light on the Bayview strip. He brings with him the old-school barbershop style with his hot towel grooming and shaving services, as well as haircuts for all ages. (1693A Bayview)
We know you’re curious (and probably hungry) now, so grab your walking shoes and stroll by these new shops to say hello. And, if you hear of someone new coming to the strip, send us a note.

About Karli Vezina 22 Articles
Karli Vezina earned her Journalism Diploma at Humber College and then a BA in Communications at Athabasca University, Alberta. She taught English as a second language in South Korea for 3 years. Karli has been a contributing writer for Chart Attack Magazine, Playback Magazine, OhMyNews International and is a founding member of the Weekly Wanderer online.