Pusateri's clarifies plans for last Toronto location moving into new condo project

Fans of fine grocer Pusateri's are still in shock after owners revealed over the weekend that they are shuttering all but one of their stores amid bankruptcy proceedings, and there is worry about the future of even that flagship location as a new condo is due to take over the address.

The residential development has been in the planning stages for the corner of Avenue and Lawrence Ave. for a few years now, with the latest proposal — updated earlier this year — encompassing more of the block, including the flagship Pusateri's at 1539 Avenue.

Gourmet grocery store Pusateri's declares bankruptcy and will close Toronto stores https://t.co/cNc4tLfMM9

— blogTO (@blogTO) August 17, 2024

Fortunately, Pusateri's confirmed to blogTO this week that it plans to reopen in the ground-floor of the new building, a 2,870 square-metre retail space labelled in documents as "food store."

But, though one might expect this would mean its closure during years of demolition and construction, the small local chain will remain open throughout the work.

"The condo development is a phased project preventing a tear-down and wait approach. Pusateri's will relocate from our current home into the completed phase 1 building when it is constructed and ready," the brand's marketing head, Paolo Pusateri, clarified to blogTO over email.

"Construction on phase 2 (including the land occupied by Pusateri's Avenue Road today) will begin afterwards."

Customers will also still be able to find Pusateri's at its Eaton Centre hub, which will remain open as a "food service-only operation" moving forward.

Owner of Pusateri's posts emotional message about Toronto store closings https://t.co/to2BZL4qIv

— blogTO (@blogTO) August 19, 2024

In a heartfelt social media post on Monday, co-owner Ida Pusateri said that this scaling back was a very difficult but "necessary step to ensure the long term success and sustainability of our brand."

It comes after the sudden closure of its Yorkville shop in the spring, which was followed by the end of its Bayview Village location just last week. A new outpost that was already in progress on College Street West will sadly never make its debut.

The condo proposal is still under review by the City.

Update Aug. 23: A previous version of this story stated that the flagship store would be closing during construction. It will, in fact, be able to remain open.