Sometimes you lose more than a job when the work ends.
For almost a calendar year I was a proud member of The Sweet Potato team, a cheerful, independent grocery store on Bayview Avenue. In February, the doors locked for the last time, and I am still in mourning. The west-end Junction location carries on, but for most of us in Leaside it was the final curtain.
Much to my surprise, those 12 months played out like a Netflix series right in front of my eyes. And I was all in for a binge watch. More laughter than you might expect and some unexpected tears, too.
As a retired newspaper writer (remember when that was a thing?), I found a home in organic retailing, trying to help customers make healthful eating choices…even when it meant “sorta healthy” junk food.
The cast of characters was never-ending, customers, staff and food delivery app drivers perpetually in a hurry and frequently not shy about telling us about it.
There was the customer who came in every day, discreetly “sampled” produce, and left with a smile and a kind word or two. We nodded knowingly.
There was the emergency doctor from Sunnybrook Hospital who always arrived happy, if sometimes a bit weary. For a man who saw what he no doubt saw, his positive energy was infectious – pardon the terrible medical turn of phrase.
There was the young bank employee who brought his mom in to meet us. And the dog walker who baked us delicious treats and always made sure she brought enough for everyone.
Then there was Lena, who really should be an advice columnist.
The most memorable of all the patrons of our store was the customer who came in several times a week. We’re of the same vintage and we’d talk about everything. She once returned a day after seeming a bit distracted — to apologize for being terse (she hadn’t been). That’s when she told me her husband had fallen ill. There were tears that day.
What I did not expect as each month turned to the next and the next was making new friends for life.
Like Roy, the Syrian transplant and aspiring rap star who is one of the kindest souls I have ever encountered. Roy always wears a huge smile. Truly nothing fazes this man.
Or Sophie, the Swiftie and trivia expert who I’m convinced is a savant. Her ability to process and analyze information would make an AI bot bow down in defeat.
And Eva, who tried so hard to teach me Spanish and school me in Mexican cooking. Her success on the cooking front far outpaced my ability to learn Spanish.
Then there were the co-owners, CJ and Digs — community-minded, determined to make healthy food accessible to everyone.
And finally, Ben – the boss, a man of integrity who is much smarter than he knows. With an intrinsic understanding of the intricacies of human nature, Ben led by example and never lost focus on making sure those working for him had the support to be the best they could be at their jobs. Oh, also a Swiftie.
My time at The Sweet Potato ended just days short of a full season. It was a 12-episode arc of laughter, learning, and the kind of plot twists only real life can deliver.
RIP to a place that truly was home.
