Cherished neighbourhood cafe in Toronto permanently closes after nearly 13 years
A cafe in Toronto that's been a local staple for almost 13 years has officially closed its doors for good.
It's only natural for restaurants in Toronto to be, more or less, transient. Some last for decades, others for just a year, but ultimately, they always end up giving way to something new. The restaurant industry is kind of an allegory for life in that way, a veritable "this too shall pass" of cafes, bars and brasseries.
Still, it's felt like the city has suffered some particularly heartbreaking losses as of late, hasn't it? From the Imperial Pub closing after eight decades to Pink Elephant Ice Cream shutting down in under a year, Toronto residents have had to say goodbye a little more than I, at least, would like.
Well, before you put away those mourning garments, there's one more casualty to add to your list: as of Wednesday, Oct. 8, Bloor West Village's Baka Gallery Cafe was officially closed.
The restaurant, which first opened in January 2013, was founded, intriguingly, by Baka Mobile, a company that describes itself as "Canada's greenest mobile phone company."
Despite the unlikely pair, Baka Gallery Cafe quickly became a go-to, both among neighbourhood residents and fans of the indie coffee scene in general, serving Sam James roasts alongside a selection of baked goods and other eats made in-house.
Unfortunately, after over a decade of serving the community, Baka's tenure has officially come to a close following its last day in business just over a month ago.
"After nearly 13 incredible years in beautiful Bloor West Village, we share the news that our cafe will be closing its doors," reads a Sept. 30 statement posted to the cafe's social media and website.
"From the very beginning, this space was created on the idea of community," the statement goes on to read.
"Over the years, we've had the joy of showcasing the talents of local artists in our gallery, celebrating life's milestones with neighbours who entrusted us to host their most memorable events, cheered on our favourite team, and gathering together every month for open mic nights that filled the room with music, laughter and connection. These walls have witnessed so many stories, and each one has made this place what it is."
This may not be goodbye forever, though. The Baka team clarifies that, while this chapter is ending, this isn't a firm goodbye as much as a "see you later." What, exactly, comes next remains to be seen.
In the wake of the closure, plenty of community members were quick to express their sadness at the loss.
"Baka Gallery Café has been the heart of the Village for so many of us," the Bloor West Village BIA writes in the caption of an Instagram post dedicated to the closure.
"As this cherished space enters its next chapter, we're sending the entire Baka team our warmest wishes — and heartfelt thanks for the memories, joy, and sense of community you've given to Bloor West Village."
The comment section of the post bubbles over with just as much love and gratitude as the caption of the post itself expresses.
"So sad, it's a hub of the community and my fave coffee shop in BWV," one person comments.
"I will cherish the good memories," writes another.
Baka Gallery Cafe was formerly located at 2256 Bloor St. W.
Irina No
