Toronto hidden gem for Caribbean sandwiches is back after three-year closure
Three years after a burst pipe unceremoniously shuttered a Toronto hidden gem for larger-than-life Caribbean sandwiches, it's finally back in business and better than ever.
When Odaine Davidson first started making hot sauce with his mother, the intention was never to make a business out of it, least of all to become a local legend for inventing one of the city's most stacked jerk chicken sandwiches.
"She would bring it to events, and people absolutely loved it — it became a big hit wherever she went," Davidson tells blogTO. Eventually, the hype built to such a decibel that the pair decided to start selling it, opening their first brick-and-mortar, Tata Hot Sauce Emporium, on East York's Rexleigh Drive in 2016.
From the very beginning, Davidson tells blogTO, the immediate community was instrumental in supporting the business. It wasn't until the two started making their now-legendary jerk chicken sandwich that people from outside the neighbourhood were introduced to Tata.
A beef patty, vegetables, and a generous helping of charred jerk chicken are piled high on a pillowy coco bun, slathered with Tata's scotch bonnet hot sauce. It quickly became a phenomenon. People came in from the farthest reaches of the city. The Davidson family were featured on a slew of news outlets.
@blogto Super Deluxe Sandwich at Tata Hot Sauce Emporium 🇯🇲 #toronto #onlyintoronto #tiktoktoronto #jamaican #jerkchicken #tiktokfood #foodie #bts ♬ Jammin' - Bob Marley And The Wailers
Despite the natural challenges of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Tata continued its reign on Rexleigh throughout. For the Davidsons, the real challenge came in 2023.
"Unfortunately, in June 2023, a city water pipe burst and caused a terrible flood that forced us to shut down unexpectedly. It was completely outside of our control and was really difficult for us," Davidson tells blogTO. Tata was forced to close its doors indefinitely.
Now, almost three years later, a new chapter has opened for Tata, as the long-anticipated return of Tata came on Feb. 21, 2026.
Though the business has moved to a new spot on Danforth, Davidson tells blogTO that little else has changed: you can still expect the same warm family atmosphere, the same stacked sandwiches and, most importantly, he adds, the same Tata hot sauce.
"We're definitely known for our sandwiches now, but everything really starts with our family hot sauce — that's always been at the core of what we do," Davidson explains.
"That said, our sandwiches are something we're really proud of, too. They're made with love and the same care we put into everything, so it's amazing to see how much people enjoy them."
Davidson tells blogTO that, in the weeks since reopening, the support from longtime fans and curious newcomers alike has been "overwhelming." Even after three years, Tata was welcomed with no less enthusiasm than it enjoyed during its past life.
It's all a testament to the community that's been built around Tata, Davidson says, and, vice versa, it's the community that allowed Tata to bounce back even after so long.
"The community has supported us from day one and helped us grow. We're incredibly grateful for everyone who has stood by us over the years — it's that support that has kept us going."
Tata is located at 1299 Danforth Ave.
Tata Hot Sauce
