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Greenavi Cafe in the Deadpool

Posted by Tim / September 1, 2009

13 Comments

Greenavi CafeGreenavi is no more. Papered windows and a sign posted to the front door have sealed the deal for the once popular cafe on Queen West that became a good neighbourhood pit stop for some organic snacks and free WiFi. But with rents between Spadina and Bathurst not getting any lower; and plenty of local competition from the major chains and indie darlings like Tequila Bookworm the cafe just couldn't make it.

Many might remember this isn't the first time Greenavi owner Ellen Soyoung Lee couldn't make a cafe fly in this space. Her previous incarnation Just Us! lacked personality and felt too chain like. It didn't last long. The re-thought Greenavi was definitely a step up and was voted one of the best new cafes of 2008.

GreenaviAccording to the note on the door (above), Lee isn't going to stick around for try number 3. She and her partner have decided to exit the cafe business and focus on their photography and painting.

Thanks to Candice for the tip

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13 Comments

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Rob / September 1, 2009 at 09:41 am
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Tequila bookworm is a joke in comparison. I can't believe people would choose it over a place with a better vibe, coffee and space. Lame.
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monkeypie / September 1, 2009 at 09:43 am
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why oh why does no one proof these posts?

"her and her partner"... seriously?
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Tim replying to a comment from monkeypie / September 1, 2009 at 09:58 am
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Corrected!
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Carsten Nielsen / September 1, 2009 at 10:05 am
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Aww, I liked this place, they made a good Americano.
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laurie replying to a comment from Rob / September 1, 2009 at 01:35 pm
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tequila bookworm actually *used* to be in that spot, and it was much nicer and cooler in the old spot than it is now. i stopped frequenting tequila when it moved down the street. it had this shabby chic vibe that i really dug, and that wasn't retained when the new cafe(s) opened up in it's old space. i feel like that space has bow been cursed since tequila moved out... i don't know why they didn't just stay in it. i think it may have been something to do with rent, unfortunately.
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Miriam / September 1, 2009 at 02:02 pm
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That is really unfortunate, I was looking forward to starting school again and coming here during breaks. :( It always made me smile. The service always friendly, comfy seats, I remember sitting there one time with my friend and it was snowing outside and ach these little memories stick with you. :) It was a nice sight.

Never knew this was their 2nd coffee shop. I give them points for trying again and now moving on to try something new, good luck to them both. I think however they did a great job in the coffee industry. :)
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Myra / September 1, 2009 at 03:56 pm
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Nooo :( I was going to drop by today.

This was my absolute favorite cafe that I frequent for a year now... nice staff, great drinks & food, calm and relaxing environment, cute wooden chairs.

There's no other cafe like it.

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Eli / September 1, 2009 at 06:02 pm
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This is truly a blow to the neighborhood. Friendly service, free wifi, pleasant atmosphere, and quiet clientele made Green Avi an ideal place to write an essay or read a book. The Avi will be greatly missed.
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Rakesh / September 2, 2009 at 11:38 am
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We are really sorry to hear that Greenavi has closed, we used to supply them many fresh roasted coffees all Fair Trade Certified Organic. We wish you all the best Ellen and Young, & thank you for your business. From Everyone at Kitimai Tea & Coffee Inc.
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Christopher / September 2, 2009 at 08:23 pm
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This was not their second attempt at a cafe - not exactly. The two Just Us! locations (the other one was in The Beaches) were operated by somebody else entirely. Young and Ellen are the property owners at 490 Queen. When it closed sales were brisk, but the rent in that space was ridiculous.
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Lex / September 9, 2009 at 02:04 pm
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anyone recall the artwork that used to be on display in the cafe by this Japanese artist (dont remember the name).
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Sarah / September 11, 2009 at 11:39 am
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How are people shocked that this place closed down. You cannot sell coffee and pastries and make money on queen st unless you are clafouti or dufflets. The old tequila was a busy place and couldn't afford the rent hike. This place - like just us - was empty half the time and everyone there was having a coffee and sitting on their laptop. The funny part is that a business operated by the owners of the building (who weren't paying astronomical rents) could not prosper. That says something in itself. It wasn't that the place wasn't making money, it was that they believed they would make more money by renting it to this new chilean restaurant. The curse of the old tequila will sit with this place as a stark reminder of landlord greed that has run rampant on queen st. Here comes the third place in the last three years.
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dyt replying to a comment from Sarah / October 16, 2009 at 05:12 pm
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Please~
I just want to tell anyone who doesn't know accurate information about anything.." don't make your assumptions into real story"
this is another proof gossip is such a waste~
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