Are you ready to open your eatery in Toronto? If so, one of the first things you’ll want do is narrow down potential locations. That means deciding which neighbourhoods will best serve your needs—a step you’ll probably want to take before you start touring spaces. While this city is home to many vibrant areas, one of the most promising for restauranteurs is Little Italy. Interested in learning more?
Here are five reasons why Little Italy might just be the perfect place to set up shop…
1) The mix of residents
For generations, Little Italy has been home to a large number of residents with Italian, Portuguese, and Vietnamese roots. In recent years, the area has also increasingly attracted hip young professionals and students—thanks to its authentic feel and lively local businesses.
The mix of people here helps ensure that there’s no shortage of potential patrons for burgeoning eateries, no matter what type of food they’re serving up. Whether the diners you hope to attract are youthful trendsetters or families with deep local roots, they’ll find you.
2) The locals prioritize great food
When budgets are tight, eating at restaurants (or ordering delivery) is often one of the first luxuries to go. In Little Italy, this type of belt-tightening may not impact your bottom line too much.
Residents here don’t have a suburban mindset, and many are far more likely to take pleasure in an incredible meal than another car or entertainment system. The same is true of those in nearby areas like Seaton Village and Trinity Bellwoods.
3) It’s well-served by transit
It’s not just locals who enjoy grabbing a bite in Little Italy. Torontonians come from across the city to visit this exciting west-end enclave—and they don’t need a car to do so.
Between the 501 streetcar and the 506 bus, the area is well served by transit. That’s great news for local restauranteurs who want to attract as many diners as possible. The area is also highly walkable, which could provide many opportunities to turn passersby into patrons.
4) It’s a great place to be
You want your restaurant to be your livelihood, but (hopefully) it will be much more. The time you’ll be spending in your new space—and the neighbourhood where it’s situated—should add to your quality of life.
Setting up an eatery in Little Italy means being surrounded by eclectic cafes, trattorias, bars, small grocers, and more. Put simply, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable place to run a food business.
5) People come here to dine al fresco
In the summertime, a patio can attract diners who would otherwise walk right by your eatery. It’s part of the reason many restaurants in Little Italy thrive during the warmer months. Diners who want some sun know they can enjoy a great meal outdoors on the College Street strip!
The pandemic has made having outdoor space even more desirable. In the years ahead, many aspiring restauranteurs will be ensuring they can open a patio before they take the plunge. Being in an area that’s well known for them can only be a good thing.
Are you ready to find the ideal restaurant location? When you’re looking for a neighbourhood with all the right ingredients, you might want to consider Little Italy. Come find out what this colourful community has to offer!
LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL RESTAURANT SPACE IN LITTLE ITALY? REACH OUT TO LEARN HOW WE CAN HELP SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS!
