Longtime Kensington Market staple closes after nearly 50 years in Toronto

In what seems like an endless trend of disappearing businesses and vacant storefronts, Toronto's Kensington Market is losing yet another long-standing shop.

Segovia Foods, formerly located on Augusta Avenue, was a longtime Kensington butcher shop known for its Latin American-inspired meats, chorizo-infused sausages, and wide selection of prepared foods.

Menu items included baked empanadas filled with chorizo and Chilean-style beef, as well as a pastel de queijo (Brazilian cheese pastries), Cochinita Pibil (Yucatán-style Mexican pulled pork) sandwiches, and feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew).

The shop sat along the stretch of Augusta Avenue known for its concentrated cluster of Latin American businesses, across the street from Perola's Supermarket and Jumbo Empanadas.

However, this month, a "for rent" sign appeared outside the shop, and news of the impending closure quickly circulated among local Facebook groups. The family behind the longtime business later confirmed the news on Facebook, thanking the community for its unwavering support over the past few decades.

"Blessings for the kind words. It was time to move on. We are blessed to have been part of such a beautiful community," the family wrote.

Segovia's history spans all the way back to 1978, when the business first opened at 928 Bloor St. W. After the original location was sold, the shop moved to 249 Augusta Ave. (currently occupied by Jumbo Empanadas) before eventually settling at 218 Augusta Ave. In 1996.

"Finally 30 years later it was time. Again I thank everyone who supported us all those years. Love and blessings always," the family wrote.

News of the closure was naturally met with plenty of heartbroken reactions from longtime customers, many of whom took to social media to share their memories of the shop.

"I absolutely loved everything about that place! The people that worked inside were very nice," one person wrote.

"Leo and his family will be missed! My favourite empanadas for sure. The chimichurri recipe was the best," another customer said.

Segovia's closure comes as the neighbourhood continues to see long-standing independent businesses disappear, often as a result of rising food prices and decreased foot traffic in the area.

Earlier this year, owner of Jumbo Empanadas, Irene Morales, confirmed to blogTO that the shop would be closing due to a variety of factors, including rising inflation. While the restaurant still remains open at 245 Augusta Ave., its space has been put up for sale, with the listing noting that the "entire building can be delivered vacant on closing."

Last year, local fishmonger Hooked Inc., formerly located at 206 Baldwin St., also closed its doors, citing a combination of the difficult financial climate and changes in Kensington Market as factors behind the decision.

Just weeks ago, Seven Lives, renowned for its Baja-style tacos, announced that it had also shut down, writing that rising food and labour costs had made the restaurant "too difficult to keep running."

Segovia Foods was formerly located at 218 Augusta Ave.