Broadview Danforth BIA
253 Danforth ave M4K 1N2 Toronto, ON, Canada

Elvis is wearing the proper Covid attire - face mask and a nice hoodie...but not just any hoodie! An @theauldspot hoodie. Email [email protected] if you’re interested in grabbing one for yourself and your buddies! Be sure you stay on trend!

Starting the day off with some local Java @siespressobar If you want a fix of good coffee and some Italian pastries then this is the place to go. Not to mention, the owner, Saverio is a great person to chat with. But don’t hold up the line! #LlamaGonnaShopLocal

Looking forward into 2021 - we look back at this gorgeous shot at #RiverdaleParkEast by local photographer @boomski.jpg Tobogganing hills Here’s to more tobogganing & other great local activities for this year. Be safe and well !

You’ve heard it all year - this year’s celebrations are not like any other we’ve had before. We know it’s been a challenge for all, and not being able to get out or join in with friends and family makes it particularly difficult- we would like to commend you all (businesses and community) for all that you have done to help us get through this together. Your continued support for small business and local charities despite any personal challenges has been well appreciated. Let... us walk into 2021 with equal determination and hope that it will bring better days ahead. Wishing you all a safe and Happy New Year! Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas - TABIA

Join the #BigNightIn for NYE - Some members have joined in this initiative to help support local hospitality. @savehospitality.ca & @crowstheatre have joined efforts to help this come to life. Buy your tickets now! $19.95 includes a donation to a restaurant of your choice AND live performances by @brokensocialscene @moscowapt @rubywatersmusic @shantelmay... Hit the link below to grab your tickets. Order takeout from your local favourite to enjoy the show https://www.savehospitality.ca/

This Saturday, October 24, the Broadview-Danforth BIA will be launching the Fall Thrill of the Chill initiative in an effort to support businesses in the area as temperatures dip. Starting Saturday, people can visit any of the BIA’s outdoor restaurant patios and receive a complimentary thermal blanket. Each blanket also comes with a $5 Broadview Danforth gift certificate that you can use at any of the BIA businesses, whether it be restaurants, retailers, salons, food serv...ices, etc. "We are looking forward to welcoming guests to patios this weekend and supporting our local restaurants," said BIA Chair Albert Stortchak. "Not only do patrons get a thermal blanket to keep them toasty, but they also walk away with a $5 gift card to spend anywhere in the area. It's our hope that this will drive customers to our restaurants despite the chilly weather." Paula Fletcher will be launching the program at 2:30PM at the Dora Keogh Irish Pub at 141 Danforth Avenue. The #FallThrilloftheChill will continue while supplies last.

37 years ago the idea for the @thebigcarrot came to fruition - It was the result of five workers at a natural food store, suddenly finding themselves unemployed. They had bought shares in the company where they worked but discovered later that they had no say in running the store. Knowing they wanted to keep working together they were looking for a working model for their new enterprise. A chance viewing of The Mondragon Experiment, a BBC documentary about a successful large-...scale worker co-operative system in Spain suggested a possible solution to the power problem. One share, one vote. By pooling their capital they garnered the banks support, which gave them the credibility to seek new investors. The partners looked for locations in various areas of the city. In those days, the Danforth area was in transition with many young families moving in, so several partners surveyed the neighbourhood decided that Riverdale was ready to support a local health food store. The location was at 349 Danforth Ave. 2,000 square feet, now occupied by Second Cup. A lot of work needed to be done before it opened, as the space was in bad shape. The store was designed, built and painted by its owners. Busting at the seams at its original location in 1987, the group was fortunate to meet David Walsh a real estate developer. Both worked on developing the concept and construction of what we now know as the Carrot Common. A property available across the street, formerly a car dealership owned by the Playter family, would be a perfect location. The Big Carrot needed to come up with money to secure anchor tenancy in the new development, so they decided to seek new investors. A small sign on the cash register asked customers to invest $5,000 at 10% for an indeterminate length of time. Over the next eight months $264,000 in non voting shares was raised from customers. Suppliers forwarded $150,000 of inventory and the Federal Business Development Bank lent $250,000 and The Big Carrot was able to finance their expansion into the Carrot Common. The Carrot Common is now home to many of our long time business members. Happy Anniversary @thebigcarrot !!!

We love this initiative launched jointly by Pape P.S. Parent Council & Lewis + Company Real Estate - check out this feature at our very own The Auld Spot Pub We cannot stress enough how much your love and support makes a difference for our businesses. Thank you to other local businesses and organizations for helping make a difference with initiatives like this. Such a great way to pivot your efforts from events that would otherwise be happening right now and put it towards another great cause

Things will be temporarily warming up this week, but as we head into those winter months you’ll want to be prepared for the cold. Consider supporting small businesses & buying local when looking to make your purchases this season. Our small retailers here are working hard to ensure they can provide you with what you need and in style! Photo taken @elpipildanforth

Premier Ford Announces new restrictions on Food & Drink businesses Effective as of Midnight tonight all food and drink businesses in the Province of Ontario are subject to the following restrictions: 1. Food and Drink businesses must close at midnight and remain closed until 5am except for delivery and take-out... 2. Food and Drink businesses are ordered to stop alcohol sales at 11pm 3. Alcohol consumption will be prohibited at all Food and Drink businesses in Ontario between 12am and 9am 4. All strip clubs in the Province are now ordered closed This is obviously not what we hoped to be announcing to our members and community at this time, but we hold a responsibility to ensure numbers do not keep rising. As always, please maintain all sanitizing practices, as well as wearing masks and social distancing in public. We need to continue to work together to help ensure no further lockdowns or restrictions happen. Be safe and be well everyone!

It is deeply saddening to have to say goodbye to another local business in our community. After having been a staple on our strip for nearly 15 years, known for their live music & participation in community events such as our Thrill of the Grill, their closure will be strongly felt here in our community. We’ve been fighting hard to try and find ways to keep our businesses open through these times, advocating for subsidies and further support from our government, but for som...e it has been a steeper climb. "It was a heartbreaking decision to make, but with the second wave hitting and winter coming, reopening just wasnt going to be feasible. The restrictions would cause me to go further and further into debt as the fixed costs remain the same and the income would be so drastically cut," We wish Kristine and all @oldnickpubtoronto all the best. Your presence will be missed a great deal! Tap link for full article https://www.blogto.com//toronto-heartbroken-local-pub-cl/

Loving these fall vibes in our neighbourhood. It might be raining, but you can still use your Danforth Dollars in our shops today. Get started on your holiday shopping early. Come out and support your local small businesses #supportlocaltoronto

The fall looks are rolling in all over the neighbourhood - check out these pieces @reinawomensfashion !

It’s October and #inktober2020 is already on its 3rd day! Those of you who participate already know this, but for those who wish to join the Month long event, stop over to @midocotoronto to get your supplies. There’s so many options for sketchbooks and ink pens as well as other great supplies and craft activities.

Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Halloween. If you’re planning on being up on the Danforth and wish to show off your spooktacular costumes, don’t forget that @dough.bakeshop and @cobsdanforth have some treats for all you ghouls, witches & ghosts! Remember that #FallThrilloftheChill is still on, and complimentary thermal blankets are still available on our select patios along with our Danforth Dollars. ... Feel free to spend them anywhere within Hampton and Broadview aves as well as Dearbourn and Pretoria along Broadview. The sun is shining so take advantage of it!

Happy #InternationalCoffeeDay !! Celebrate by going to one of your local coffee hangs! Show your local businesses #supportlocaltoronto Photographed: Saverio @siespressobar (makes a great espresso)

Everything is looking different this year - but some are still keeping the vibe going for this Halloween. Maybe not in full force, but something to keep the spirits up. COBS Bread & DOUGH Bakeshop will both be giving some little treats for those who come by dressed up. To keep stores at their capacity limit, maybe have one parent stop in while rest wave to staff inside. Parade your costumes - we would love to see you out there! Tomorrow it’s supposed to be fully sunny. So let’s make the best of it and feel free to dress up for the patios too! Don’t forget to grab your complimentary blanket with $5 Danforth Dollars to spend anywhere. List of where to find our blankets in our Highlights (below)

Getting a bit of a Hogwarts vibe from this beautiful installation at @freshfloralcreations - perfect for a Halloween theme Stop by an dhave a look on your next stroll #onthedanforth Don’t forget your Danforth Dollars can be used at any one of our shops and restaurants! ... Posted @withregram

This seems to be the week for features in @blogto ! So happy to see our friends at Off the Hook Fishbar have been listed among 25 top Fish & Chip places #inthe6ix

It’s been a rough ride. Time for some self care. Moms grab your social bubble gal pal and pop into any number of our salons for pampering! We have a few to choose from: @vixenspa (mani, pedi, facial, waxing and laser hair removal) @urbannailstoronto (nail art and mani pedi services) @stunningnailstoronto (nail art and mani pedi services)... @hardrocknails_toronto (elaborate nail art) @mnails.toronto @broadviewnailspa Call ahead to book your appointments. Safety measures are in place.

Halloween is only a few days away. And while we cannot go about our usual way of celebrating this year, we can still enjoy the fun of decorating our front yards/porches/patios, as well as engage via some virtual fun. We’ve been seeing some great decorations out in our neighbourhood this week. If you haven’t gotten your spooky decorations or accessories yet, then run quick to Midoco Art & Office Supplies while supplies last! Use your Danforth Dollars if you have them! #DestinationDanforth #FallThrilloftheChill #halloween

View our Reels for more on this project currently going up at the intersection of Broadview and Danforth. View artist profile here www.merryn.ca https://www.instagram.com/reel/CFr7NJMB7G3/

Don’t forget that these Danforth Dollars are still collectible while our complimentary thermal blankets last! So hurry up and get yours!! You can get one if you’re sitting on any one of our Restaurant patios from Broadview to Hampton aves and Pretoria to Dearbourne along Broadview. The Danforth Dollars can be redeemed at any of our businesses within our BIA. So check our directory for the full list of businesses within our BIA and start shopping! ... *Note dollars need to be redeemed in person at the store location. These are not applicable online.

Congrats to our friends @dough.bakeshop for being listed in @blogto ´s top 35 Bakeries in #Toronto ! But they don’t just stop at pastries and bread, they make a host of lunch items and take home meals!!

Enjoy the Fall Leaves Take a Breath and enjoy a moment for yourself to find peace and harmony Posted @withregram @theyogasanctuary Practice with us at Withrow Park! Enjoy the air around you, appreciate the little things and focus on your senses. Our Park classes are now extended until Sunday, November 15th.... Tuesday & Thursdays, 9:30 AM 10:30 AM Wednesdays, 5:30 PM 6:45 PM Fridays, 6:30 PM 7:45 PM

Embrace these warmer days this weekend on our patios! Grab some tasty treats on the go while you stroll down #theDanforth . Cycle to your favourite shops. We’re here all weekend happy to see you

Come out and support local this weekend. We’re all excited to see you! Sun’s even peeking out a bit. Lots of hot drinks on the menu to help keep you warm, along with our complimentary thermal blankets and $5 Danforth Dollars to let you pick up some more treats in the hood. Many shops are having sales to further add to your savings. So get outside for a nice walk and enjoy all that the neighbourhood has to offer! See you soon!

#FallThrilloftheChill patio fun

Feeling a bit cooped up at home? Family activities shouldn’t all be restricted to home. @theclayroom have taken all safety precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. Still feel uncomfortable? You are welcome to pick up a take home project too!!

How do we use the new Complete Street? On May 28, 2020 Council approved a proposal for a number of new bikeway and complete street installations across the City, called ActiveTO. The projects were a response to the imminent need for: Better use of the right of way in the context of Covid-19; Support for local businesses by improving access options, and creating an environment to support expanded patios; Support for physical distancing for walking and cycling; Alternatives for... people who are not comfortable taking transit. In order to deliver a pandemic-responsive design, staff had to act quickly and focus detailed design engagement efforts on businesses, predominantly through BIAs. Fast track to today, we have our beautiful comprehensive #DestinationDanforth system. Not all without growing pains or some complications. We have had some issues in terms of general awareness while using the new features on the Danforth. We understand these are growing pains. And the city has put together a drop card (which all local residents should have received in their mail), indicating all the guidelines we each should practice when sharing our new street. Hit link in bio for more information and DM us for a copy of the drop card if you need it. Keep your eyes out for what’s Coming up! (Fall 2020) * Signal Work: * Traffic Signal Optimization to improve traffic flow * Leading Pedestrian Intervals to improve pedestrian safety * Public Art: * 4 art murals, and 12 hand painted traffic signal boxes * Bike Share: * 2 additional new Bike Share stations, bringing total to 4 * Additional Pilot Adjustments: * On-Street Parking modifications to improve intersection sight lines * New loading opportunities & improved markings for designated loading zones * New pavement markings around fire hydrants to improve no parking compliance * New accessible loading platforms

What’s happening here? Keep your eyes on this new project currently in production with the help of lovely artist @monicaonthemoon and our friends East End Arts StreetARToronto !! Some more updates to come! Posted @withregram Monicaonthemoon #destinationdanforth... #eastendarts #streetarttoronto See more

Come down to #BDBIA and enjoy a drink or some food on one of our patios. You will receive a complimentary thermal blanket as well as a $5 voucher to be used at any of our businesses. Just check out our directory via link in bio to see where you can use your voucher.

It’s been a while since we’ve done a #FacesoftheDanforth feature. Covid has certainly disrupted many of our daily routines and way of life. But we still think that highlighting the story of our members is very important. Today we are sharing a post from fellow #smallbusiness supporters storefrontstoronto - who have been doing a tremendous job highlighting businesses and their stories throughout the city. This is one they had done recently on our friend Spiros. Located at 3...35 Danforth Avenue in Toronto’s Greektown, is Spiros Custom Tailor. Spiros Hatzantonis opened his first store at Danforth and Pape a few blocks to the east in 1975, after working for other Greek and Italian tailors. He bought the building that houses his current location in 1977. There are a lot of steps in making a bespoke garment, and all work is done by hand on site by Spiros and his small team of tailors. What attracts so many to Spiros Tailors is the stylish, reasonably priced and exquisite craftsmanship of the clothes. Spiros is inspired by the work of top designers like Tom Ford, but every one of his designs is customized to the particular need, tastes and physique of the individual client. His fabric is sourced from the finest producers in Italy, England, Scotland and Brussels. Spiros Hatzantonis didn’t choose to become a bespoke tailor. My mother sent me to apprentice with a tailor, he recalls. At the time he was barely a teenager, and living at home on the Greek Island of Kos. But he was sent to work: I was one of the breadwinners. By the age of 18, Spiros had moved to Athens to continue his trade. Then he served in the Greek army for several years before coming to Canada. It was difficult," he recalls, speaking softly. "I didn’t speak English but it helped that I knew the trade and I didn’t need to speak. Spiros’s work has always spoken for him. Entering the small unassuming space, you are surrounded by shelves of luxurious fabric ready to be transformed into hand-made suits, equestrian attire, athletic uniforms and movie costumes. Spiros refuses to namedrop his A-list clientele, which includes Canada’s top executives, professional athletes and Hollywood stars. We always keep a low profile. We respect everyone’s right to privacy, he says, proudly admitting, I did make the suit for the first gay wedding in Canada. I learn every day. I know what I know and I try to make it better and better. Storefront credit goes to @storefrontstoronto

Cooler days has us craving those knits and other warmer layers...like this @armedangels dress found @eriettaboutique

Congratulations to our friends at Rikkochez on the revamp of their digital platforms with the help of #DigitalMainstreet . Brunch is on until 3pm today, so check them out! Posted @withregram Digital Main Street The restaurant industry was hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic and @Rikkochez was one of them. . Focused on Levantine-Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, Rikkochez is committed to making food that is friendly to omnivores, gluten-frees, vegetarians, and vegan alike. ... . The Digital Service Squad and Digital Main Street programs helped them super-charge their restaurant with a revamped website and online ordering. . Check out https://rikkochez.ca/ . . . . #shophere #torontorestaurants #TorontoRestaurant #torontofood #torontofoodie #torontofoodies #torontofoodblog #torontofoodblogger #torontofooddelivery #torontofoods #torontofoodplaces #smallbusinesses #smallbusinessmatters #shoplocaltoronto #rikkocheztoronto #torontofanforth #riverdaletoronto #eastendtoronto #eastendtorontorocks #eatlocal #thedanforth #onthedanforth #danforthliving #danfortheats #brunchplace #levantinefood #veganeatstoronto #eastyork See more

It’s Saturday morning - grab a coffee & cannoli ZaZa Espresso Bar on Danforth and take it easy. Bring a warm coat as there’s a chill in the air!

Wishing all our friends celebrating Jewish New Year, happy celebrations over the weekend. May you all be celebrating safely with loved ones. Photo: Challah crown by @dough.bakeshop

Since venue closures during the pandemic, they have been working hard to bring a socially distanced experience to audiences. Join The Danforth Music Hall as they create a virtual experience where you get to watch live bands with special features. Check out www.livefrominside.com for coming shows. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the featured artist’s local charity of choice. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your home!

Did you know that fifty years ago today, the world’s very first BIA was created right here in Toronto? Toronto’s Business Improvement Area (BIA) program is celebrating 50 years. The Toronto-born concept’s enabling legislation was signed by the province on September 16, 1970. The idea of a business association has since proliferated globally from North America to Europe to Asia. Our BIA was established 16 years later in 1986, under the name of The Danforth BIA & subsequently c...hanged to Broadview Danforth BIA in 2019 to better represent its designated are with 350+ businesses. In Toronto alone, there are 84 BIAs representing a diverse range of 70,000 businesses and property owners. The priorities of those BIAs continue to be defined by local business stakeholders with all funds being reinvested back into the communities. According to the 2018 BIA Metrics report, $38 million was invested in Toronto neighbourhoods. TABIA is calling on businesses, BIAs and Torontonians to celebrate this milestone by sharing how the BIA program has shaped them using #50YearsofBIAs Learn more via link below! https://linkin.bio/broadviewdanforthbia

Have you had your hair done recently? With so many having to let their hair grow out during lockdown, it has left hair salons backed up for some time. Many are now finally able to book new clients. When’s your next appointment? Photographed: @bobandpaigesalon

Good news! The City will be allowing portable heaters on all outdoor patios. I've heard from many businesses about this issue and I know how important the heate...rs will be for extending patio season during cooler weather. When we all advocate together we can make good things happen! Check out the fantastic CafeTO patios in Toronto-Danforth and support our local businesses. Broadview Danforth BIA Greektown BIA Danforth Mosaic BIA Pape Village BIA Leslieville BIA Riverside Neighbourhood Gerrard India Bazaar BIA https://www.toronto.ca//city-of-toronto-maximizes-patio-s/

Their sign says it all! Get your pre-orders in @dough.bakeshop for the up coming Challahdays! And of course pick up all your regular items...they’re back and baking full steam again

Peach season is coming to an end. Grab the last of Ontario Peaches at your nearest grocer today! Have any favourite recipes with peaches? Share them in comments below! #farmerfruitmarket #onthedanforth