greenwood subway

Popular Toronto cafe might shut down if new subway exit is approved

A popular cafe is at risk of shutting down right now, and the reasons have nothing to do with unpaid rent, a lack of customers, or flagging business operations.

Red Rocket Coffee on the Danforth is simply too close to a proposed subway entrance.

The TTC wants to construct a new public access point for its Greenwood subway station, and has identified 10 potential locations for the project.

Located at 1364 Danforth Ave., Red Rocket is right next to one of those locations – which puts it square on the chopping block, should the transit commission move forward with plans for that specific site.

Cafe owner Billy Dertilis told the East York Mirror last week that he'd received a letter from the TTC to that effect. Essentially, if 1366 Danforth Ave. is chosen for the new exit, the building Dertilis owns may need to to be "acquired."

Staff and customers aren't having it. Not without a fight. They've launched a petition calling on the TTC to choose a different location for the Greenwood station access point.

More than 600 people have signed it to date, and given how much people in this city love their Red Rocket, I'd wager it'll be double that within no time.

Lead photo by

Red Rocket


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Someone released a 'Steal from Loblaws Day' song and people have mixed reactions

This is how Toronto complained about grocery monopolies in the 1800s

3 bars in Toronto have just been ranked among the best in North America

Ontario shopper confounded by huge price difference for same item at stores 1 km apart

Canadians are loving former Loblaws loyalist's nine-minute rant against company

Toronto restaurant deflects accusations they don't share tips with staff

Ontario customer slams new 'soggy' plastic-free coffee lids at Tim Hortons

Oscar Isaac just showed up for dinner at Toronto restaurant