Is Friendly Thai the New Starbucks?

While rumors persist about a Starbucks setting up shop near F'Coffee in Riverside, we can confirm that a familiar chain restaurant is close to opening its doors down the street in neighbouring Leslieville.

Located at 1218 Queen Street (416.461.8424) next to Tomi Kro, The Friendly Thai may be just the latest signal that Leslieville's time has finally arrived. Outside of, say, Spring Rolls, The Friendly Thai is arguably Toronto's most successful Asian restaurant chain. But unlike Spring Rolls, The Friendly Thai tends to surface in neighbourhoods (such as Roncesvalles or The Junction) before or about the time they start to turn.

And unlike the multinational coffee chain that everyone loves to hate, The Friendly Thai is, well, so darn friendly. Who wants to complain about affordable and tasty phad thai anyway?