May is blooming with reasons to get out and support local in Old Town Toronto! From Jay Li’s stunning still lifes at Beauchamp Art Gallery to peach cruffins at COBS Bread St. Lawrence, a refreshing basil lemonade at Au Pain Doré, spring finds at Wildlife Thrift Store, and whisky flights at The Omni King Edward Hotel, there’s no shortage of seasonal fun. And this month, don’t miss the Grand Opening of St. Lawrence Market North on May 10 — a full-day street festival packed with live music, food, family fun, and community spirit. All that and so much more awaits in this edition of Where To Support Local!
New Artist At Beauchamp Art Gallery: Jay Li
We are proud to share a new artist to our galleries: Jay Li. Originally from Guangzhou, China, Jay Li resides in Ottawa where he shares a stunning perspective on still life’s. Discover his rich and expressive oil paintings at our King Street gallery!
Beauchamp Art Gallery
167 King St E, 416-599-2244
www.galeriebeauchamp.com/en
Instagram: @galeriebeauchamp
7 days: 9:30am-5:30pm.
Grand Opening – St. Lawrence Market North
Come celebrate the official launch of the St. Lawrence Market North building with a full-day street festival packed with local flavour, fun, and community spirit!
📅 Saturday, May 10, 2025
🕙 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Farmers’ Market runs 5 a.m. – 3 p.m. inside)
📍 St. Lawrence Market North + Market Lane Park + Front Street
What to Expect:
• Live music featuring performances by Priyanka, The Blues Angels featuring Prakash John and Mike Branton, Logan Staats, DijahSB, and Trash Panda Brass!
• Kids activities with Jamii
• Free photos
• Circus performances with the Hercinia Arts Collective that will wow the crowd!
• Delicious eats from local food vendors + a free bbq (while quantities last)
• Giveaways & community vibes
• A special ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Olivia Chow
• An opportunity to explore the new building – including tours of the court rooms!
St. Lawrence Market
92-95 Front St E, 416-392-7219
www.stlawrencemarket.com
Instagram: @stlawrencemarket
Tues-Fri: 9am-7pm.
Sat: 7am-5pm.
Sun: 10am-5pm.
Real Authentic European Gelato At bomba
bomba is highlighting Gio’s amazing gelato and sorbetto! The difference between gelato and your regular ice cream is that gelato has less fat (about two thirds), less sugar and is churned slowly so as to not incorporate much air. The final product is denser and more flavourful. Sorbetto is a frozen treat made with fruit, water and sugar. Made with real natural ingredients, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat!
bomba
St Lawrence Market, Lower Level, 647-338-9894
www.bombagelato.com
Instagram: @bombatoronto
Tues-Fri: 9am-7pm.
Sat: 7am-5pm.
Sun: 10am-5pm.
Made In Canada – The Perfect Sectional Sofa!
Introducing …The Athena.
We can create the perfect sectional sofa for your space!
Choose from unlimited configurations and fabrics.
Featuring modern designs, plush deep seating, eco-friendly, certified sustainable materials.
Proudly bench-built in Canada.
Drop in anytime for immediate delivery, we carry a large inventory of in-stock sofa-beds, sofas, sectionals, chairs and recliners. Or customize – with a fabric or leather to suit your vision, design and space.
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm.
Sun: 11am-5pm.
St Lawrence Reduces Encourages You To Bring Your Own
🌍 Bring your own container and join the movement! St. Lawrence Reduces is a growing group of local businesses making it easier to live sustainably. By welcoming reusable containers, these spots are helping reduce waste — and some even offer discounts when you participate! From cozy cafés to market vendors, it’s never been easier to go green while you grab your favourite treats.
This community-led initiative is powered by the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s Waste Reduction Group, with support from the City of Toronto and Old Town Toronto BIA. Curious which businesses are participating or want to get involved? 📍 Click here to learn more.
Complimentary Rove Membership
COMPLIMENTARY ONE-YEAR ROVE MEMBERSHIP
Visit our Toronto Showroom located at 53 Ontario Street and present your Old Toronto BIA newsletter to
redeem your free membership (valued at $200)
MEMBERS ENJOY 25% OFF SITE-WIDE + 10% BACK IN VOUCHER*
25% off site-wide for an entire year
10% back in voucher*
Complimentary design consultation
Dedicated concierge order service
VIP access to sales events
Offer Avaliable only for the Month of May 2025
Rove Concepts
53 Ontario St, 437-533-3688
www.Roveconcepts.com
Mo-Sat: 10am-6pm.
100% Refreshing Summer Drinks From Au Pain Doré
Our classic lemonade lemon/basil and our brand new “Memories from Napoli” iced tea from Camellia Sinensis.
Quench your thirst with our basil lemonade, a perfect blend of invigorating flavours! Our recipe combines the traditional zesty lemon of a lemonade with the herbal taste of fresh basil, creating a unique drink.
And introducing a green tea-based blend as colourful as it is refreshing. Inspired by the warmth of the Mediterranean, it combines the herbal flavours of rosemary and green tea with the zest of grapefruit.
Wonderful drinks to enjoy under the summer sun!
Offer valid for a limited time in our participating cafés.
Au Pain Doré
81 Front St E, 416-367-2738
www.atelier.aupaindore.com/en/
Instagram: @aupaindorecafe
Mon-Sun: 7am-8pm.
Allergy Season At Healthshield Pharmacy
Spring is finally here! Unfortunately for many, this also means it is allergy season! Drop by Healthshield Pharmacy on the Esplanade and take advantage of the following promotion: 15% OFF over-the-counter allergy medications, including oral antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops. Mention the “Old Town Toronto BIA” newsletter to receive discount throughout the month of May. See you soon!
Healthshield Pharmacy
140 The Esplanade, 416-368-7900
www.healthshield.ca/
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6:30pm.
Sat: 10am-2pm.
Mixed Grill May At The Berczy Tavern
As the weather warms and patios start to fill, The Berczy Tavern is leaning into the
social spirit of spring with May Mixed Grill for Four — a new, limited-time culinary
experience designed for sharing. This chef-curated family-style feast brings
together the restaurant’s signature grilled mains for just $149, a notable value against the
standard à la carte price of $178.
The experience is tailored for groups of four, aiming to bring a lively dinner party
energy to the dining room and bar, where warm hospitality, great food, and live
piano vibes create an inviting backdrop for spring get-togethers.
The Berczy Tavern
69 Front St E, 647-479-0279
www.theberczy.com/specials
Instagram: @theberczy
Click here for hours.
May 23rd Party @ Candace & Basil
Candace & Basil is thrilled to announce its participation as an official Party Hub for this year’s King East Design District Party, presented by DesignTO.
Join us at our Downtown Toronto showroom, located at 75 Ontario Street, on Thursday, May 23rd from 6–9 PM for an evening of inspiration, conversation, and community. This is your chance to mingle with design lovers, creatives, and local tastemakers.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Candace & Basil, come discover why we’re Toronto’s go-to destination for Canadian-made, and fully customizable furniture.
Let’s toast to design, creativity, and connection—we can’t wait to welcome you!
RSVP here: https://designto.org/event/kedd-party-2025/
Candace & Basil Furniture
75 Ontario St, 1-800-468-9067
www.candb.ca
Instagram: @candaceandbasil
Visit Toronto’s First Post Office During Doors Open
Toronto’s First Post Office is excited to be participating in Doors Open weekend! Join us on May 24th and 25th for extended hours, enjoy catching up with our staff, and learning about everything our great museum has to offer. Head to the City of Toronto’s website to find out what other sites are participating and plan out your weekend!
Toronto’s First Post Office | Town of York Historical Society
260 Adelaide St E, 416-865-1833
www.TownofYork.com
Instagram: @TOS1stPO
Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm.
Sat: 10am-4pm.
Sun: 12pm-4pm.
Peach Season At COBS Bread St. Lawrence
Celebrate the return of peach season with these delicious, peach-inspired delights!
We’re adding something new to the lineup this season: the Peach Cruffin! This irresistible hybrid of a croissant and a muffin, filled with a luscious peach filling, is sure to become our new go-to treat. Our Peach fan favourites will also be returning this season: the delectable Peach & Custard Danish and the comforting Peach Scone, both packed with the irresistible flavor of ripe, juicy peaches.
We will be sampling them in store so be sure to stop by and try them!
Hurry, they’re only here for a limited time.
Cobs Bread St. Lawrence
#114C – 158 Front St E, 416-395-2482
Instagram: @cobsbreadstlawrence
Mon-Sun: 6am-8pm.
May At The Omni King Edward Hotel
Mother’s Day Brunch
Treat Mom to an elegant brunch experience Sunday, May 11th, from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM (last seating at 1:30 PM).
📍 $145 Adults | $73 Children (4–12) | Complimentary for kids 3 & under
📩 Reserve: to-festive@omnihotels.com | 📞 416-945-3323
🥃 Monthly Whisky Tasting
Last Wednesday of Every Month | May 28th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Join us for a refined evening of whisky flights and curated pairings in our historic setting.
📩 RSVP: nitish.ummat@omnihotels.com
💆 Mokara Spa Specials
NEW! Pure Relaxation Massage
60 min | $215 / $240
A full-body experience with hot stone back massage and foot scrub.
(Contact us to learn about more Spring specials).
Omni King Edward
37 King St E, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
Instagram: @Omnikingedward
New Menu Items At Cafe Landwer
Just in time for the warmer weather, Cafe Landwer has launched fresh new menu items, perfect for spring and summer dining. Known for its vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Cafe Landwer’s new seasonal additions are light, flavourful, and designed to elevate your next patio brunch, lunch, or dinner outing.
To start, try the Roasted Beets and Labaneh – a refreshing appetizer that pairs sweet, earthy beets with creamy labneh and crunchy pistachios. As a side, the Crispy Brussel Sprouts are a must-try, offering a bold, savoury crunch. For salad lovers, the Chicken Caesar Salad makes its debut, while the Cobb Salad returns with an all-new twist, now even more hearty and satisfying.
Looking for mains? The French Cut Cajun Chicken delivers juicy, smoky perfection with every bite, and the Mediterranean Grilled Salmon is a fresh, herbaceous dish that’s ideal for lighter appetites without sacrificing flavour.
Cafe Landwer’s new seasonal menu brings bold flavours and fresh ingredients to the forefront.
Make sure to stop by and taste what’s new.
Cafe Landwer
33 Yonge St (entrance near Front St W & Scott St), 437-562-8555
www.landwer.ca/branch/front/
Instagram: @cafelandwercanada
8am-10pm
Know Your Numbers With a VO2 Max Test At Altitude Athletic Training
Curious About Your VO₂ Max and What It Means?
VO₂ max measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise, and it’s one of the strongest indicators of cardiovascular health and overall longevity. A higher VO₂ max means better endurance, stronger heart health, and more resilience against aging!
At Altitude Athletic, we offer VO₂ max testing on a bike or treadmill, followed by a 1-on-1 consult with a coach. You’ll get a clear breakdown of your results and learn how to use them to train smarter and reach your goals – whether you’re aiming for a race, a trek, or just better everyday health.
Level up your fitness by clicking here to book your VO2 Max Test.
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
Mon-Friday: 6am-9pm.
Sat: 7am-2pm.
Sun: 7am-1pm.
Prepare For Summer Sun This May At St. Lawrence Eye Care
Sunglasses are a great way to kick off the summer season. Make sure to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays from the sun and purchase a pair of sunglasses today! Not only do you get the sun protection that you need but you can get a second clear pair for everyday wear at 40% off! Summer is a time for rejuvenation and vibrancy, so have fun with your sunglasses and clear pair.
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm.
Information Session/Tour Of Harris Institute
Information Session/Tours on Wednesday, May 7th at 6:00PM and Thursday, May 15th at 12:30PM. New programs start on July 21 and November 10, 2025. In-person master classes taught by award winning industry leaders. RSVP on Contact page at www.harrisinstitute.com.
Harris Institute
118 Sherbourne St, 416-367-0178
www.harrisinstitute.com
10am-9pm
Wildlife Thrift Store In Full Bloom!
May is in full bloom, and so is Wildlife Thrift Store! Whether you’re searching for spring fashion, unique home decor, or just love a good bargain, we’ve got something for everyone. We’re marking down our clothes every week and have further mark downs on our winter wear to make room for our spring and summer collection to get you ready for the season!
Behind the scenes, we’ve been working hard to keep the store fresh and welcoming. Our staff take great care in sorting, cleaning, and displaying donations so every visit feels like a curated experience. We’re grateful every day for the generous spirit of our community—both the people who give and the ones who come in to explore!
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416 861-9080
www.wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
10am-8pm
LAUFT Flexible Workspace
At LAUFT (located at 95 King Street East) sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. In early 2025 we made the decision to invest our ad dollars towards building a better, brighter, more sustainable future.
We’re so proud to have partnered in this endeavour with Greenspark, to help our clients create a lasting legacy for our planet.
For every $25 you spend, we plant one tree
For every hour you work, we remove ocean plastics
This year, our LAUFT community has collectively planted over 2500 trees and removed 17000 pieces of plastic from our oceans, simply by using our services.
That’s direct impact for the planet and for our future, all day, every day – come ask how you can join our community – hello@lauft.work (BIA Members get discounts!)Lauft
LAUFT Flexible Workspace
95 King St E, 1-844-935-2838
www.lauft.work
Instagram: @LAUFTworkspace
9-6pm
Mother’s Day Brunch & May Specials At Novotel Toronto Centre
Join us on Sunday, May 11th at Café Nicole Bistro + Bar for our annual Mother’s Day Brunch! Treat the amazing women in your life to a delicious brunch buffet featuring a live omelette station! It’s the perfect way to show your love and appreciation. 💖
Adults: $45 | Kids 12 and under: $24.
Add bottomless mimosas for just $21 per person.
Additional May Specials:
Melted Quesadilla
> Soft flour tortilla with grilled chicken, peppers, tomatoes, onion and mixed cheese, served with salsa and sour cream $22 | Pair with Corona $31
Spicy Margarita
> Tequila, mango juice, lime juice, jalapeno pepper and tajin rim $16
Novotel Toronto Centre / Café Nicole Bistro + Bar
45 The Esplanade, 416-367-8900
www.novoteltorontocentre.com
Instagram: @novoteltorontocentre
6:30am-11pm.
Spring Into Blossom At Chatime
Celebrate National Bubble Tea Month at Chatime! Introducing our different in store promotions:
1. Sakura Spring into Blossom: – available until May 31st (or while supplies last).
Indulge in the returning fan-fave Sakura Lychee Juice & Sakura Peach Green Tea! Each refreshing drink comes with our NEW Sakura Coconut Jelly & topped off with fruit bits.
2. Matcha Cheese Tart: Bubble tea + Matcha Cheese tart = perfect match-a!
3. Tropical Super Cups – available until May 11th (or while supplies last.)
(I like big cups & I cannot lie!) 700ml not enough for you? We gotchu! Our one-litre tropical Super cup green tea and slush is just the perfect treat on a warm, sunny spring day! Only available in store!
4. National Bubble Tea Month Celebration: Double the Fun! 2 for $10- available until May 11th (or while quantities last.)
Get 2 large sized cups on any of the following drinks for $10:
– Matcha Milk Tea
– Passionfruit Green Tea
– Jasmine Jade Green Milk Tea
– QQ Lychee Juice
-Honeydew Slush
– Honey Green Tea
> Extra toppings subject to applicable charges and taxes.
> Offer only available in store.
Chatime
163 King St E, 416-223-9871
Instagram: @chatimecanada
Sun-Weds: 11am-11pm.
Thurs-Sat: 11am-12am.
Omotenashi Bento Box & Makunouchi Bento At Nami Japanese Restaurant
Omotenachi Bento Box is a set of Japanese dishes that includes three kinds of small rice bowls topped with fresh seafood, along with grilled fish and vegetables. The seafood rice bowls feature Salmon and ikura don, shrimp, squid, crab meat, and scallop don, Medium fatty tuna and uni don. These are accompanied by bite-sized grilled black cod, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and spinach ohitashi.
Makunouchi Bento is another traditional Japanese assortment of small dishes. It includes grilled black cod, fried fish cake, simmered eddo and squid, tamagoyaki(Japanese egg roll), sliced fish cake, spinach ohitashi, pickled vegetables, deep-fried chicken karaage, and fried shrimp.
Nami Japanese Restaurant
55 Adelaide St E, 416-362-7373
www.namirestaurant.ca
Instagram: @namirestaurant
Mon-Fri: 11:30am-3pm. (Last Call 2pm).
Mon-Sat: 5pm-10pm. (Last Call 9pm).
NEW: Vietnamese Street Food To-Go At Le Pearl Coffee & Banh Mi
🥖☕ Celebrate the warmer months with bold, fresh, and satisfying flavours at Le Pearl Coffee & Banh Mi, your go-to destination for authentic Vietnamese street food and traditional drinks—right in the heart of Old Town Toronto at 15 Toronto Street.
Perfect for busy office workers and locals on the move, newly opened Le Pearl offers a takeaway-only experience featuring crispy, flavour-packed Vietnamese Banh Mi, slow-dripped Vietnamese coffee, refreshing specialty teas, and premium Uji Matcha—straight from Kyoto, Japan. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, we’ve got your cravings covered.
🌟 Spring & Summer Must-Try Deals:
• 🥪 Banh Mi + Soda Drink from just $10.50
• ✨ Banh Mi + Specialty Drink (Vietnamese Coffee, Tea, or Uji Matcha) for only $15.80
• 🍹 Celebrate Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May & Online Order Only!)
Enjoy 2 Specialty Drinks of Your Choice (including Uji Matcha!) for just $10 when you order online at 👉 lepearlcafe.square.site
Le Pearl Coffee & Banh Mi
15 Toronto St, 416-822-8909
www.lepearlcafe.square.site
Instagram: @lepearlcoffeebanhmi
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm.
Sat: 9am-3pm.
What Is Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is made up of commercial and industrial property owners and their non-residential tenants who join together under a volunteer Board of Management (BIA Board) to carry out improvements and promote economic development within their designated area…(click here to continue reading.)
Le Pearl Coffee & Banh Mi
What Are The Boundaries Of Old Town Toronto?
Interested in learning what the boundaries of Old Town Toronto Are? Click here to view the official map.
How To Submit To This Newsletter
Are you an owner/manager/staff member of a local business located in a commercial property within the boundaries of Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area (formerly St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area)? If you are not receiving an invitation to submit to this monthly blog post, please sign up by clicking here or email stephenm@oldtowntoronto.ca and ask to be added to our contacts list. Be sure to provide the business name and address. Click here to check if you are within our boundaries.
