When people think of Toronto, Drake, Justin Bieber and the Raptors may come to mind, however it is also a place where small start-ups and creative businesses shine.
From feline cafes to a home movie theatre open to the public, the city has a long history of welcoming quirky business adventures. Here are five unique standouts in the city:
TOT the Cat Cafe
The first of its kind in Toronto, TOT recently opened at the corner of College Street and Spadina Avenue. The cafe is home to five sheltered cats that are looking for homes. You’re welcome to play with the felines for a maximum of 15 minutes and after you made a purchase in the cafe. It’s cozy, unusual, and definitely a cat lover’s dream.
Cineforum
Everyone has heard of an ‘at-home business,’ but long-time Toronto resident Regg Hartt took that idea to another level. Hartt, a well-known film buff and archivist has been screening films in his own home on Bathurst Street since 1992, and at a variety of other locations before that. As soon as you walk up to his house, you see a sign that reads Cineforum glowing in red. Walking into his home theatre, the room is filled with props and artwork that seem very lifelike. If you’re a film junkie like Hartt, this unique and intimate forum is something you may want to experience.
Lost & Found
As much as Torontonians love shopping, they also love coffee. Opened in 2010, Lost & Found, located on Ossington Avenue, is a men’s clothing store and coffee shop combined. It’s their way of helping out when you need a little boost while you’re shopping. They sell stylish name brands and accessories, almost exclusively crafted in North America.
Snakes and Lattes
Don’t let the name scare you — there aren’t any actual snakes on the premises, just the images of the Snakes and Ladders board game, which inspired the name for the cafe.Snakes and Lattes is located on Bloor Street West and is a comfy place to get a latte while playing board games. Customers range in ages and there is a $5 admission fee to play an unlimited selection of classic board games.
WVRST
Another Toronto first, WVRST is a place for beer and hot dog lovers – since the only items on the menus are beer, hot dogs, fries and dipping sauce. Located on King Street West, WVRST carries local brews as well as imports from Japan.