Pilot Coffee Roasters

Popular Toronto cafe just got a rebrand and is celebrating with free coffee next week

One of Toronto's most popular coffee shops is about to get a brand new look - though it may be a look that many people recognize. 

Te Aro in Leslieville will be celebrating its relaunch after undergoing some major renovations and changing its name to align with the rest of the Pilot Coffee Roasters locations throughout the city.

Te Aro began 12 years ago as the original café and roastery that spawned a number of spinoff Pilot Coffee Roasters locations.

Until now, the original coffee shop kept its name, but has decided that a brand new look and relaunch is the perfect time to align the brand with its seven other locations.

To celebrate, the 983 Queen East coffee shop will be giving away free coffee to anyone who stops by to check out the new look. The promotion will begin on Monday June 14 when the reopening begins and last until closing on Tuesday.

"It's now going to have a very similar look and feel to what you may see from our Ossington cafe or other locations around the city," Marketing Manager Trevor Walsh told blogTO.

"Everything else remains the same. Same crew, same coffee, just bringing it in line with our other cafes."

pilot coffee roasters

The outside of Pilot Coffee Roasters, formerly Te Aro, in Leslieville. Photo by Pilot Coffee Roasters.

Due to COVID restrictions, Te Aro and its Pilot Coffee Roasters locations have enforced a three-person capacity limit inside.

Restrictions will continue to be in place for the time being during the relaunch, so the hope is customers eager to see the new design and grab their free coffee can be patient, safe and respectful of others.

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Here's what's opening in the old Brickworks Ciderhouse space in Toronto

Food prices are so high that many Canadians are eating stuff past best-before dates

Huge lineup of people looking to apply at restaurant shows reality of Toronto job market

One of Toronto's most-hyped steakhouses will be leaving longtime location

Grocery store is permanently closing all Toronto locations

Family compares cost of a week's worth of groceries in Malaysia vs. Canada

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

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