Independent Toronto grocery store could be torn down for new towers

An independent grocery store in Toronto, known for its local and organic goods, could be forced to close in the coming years to make way for a large redevelopment scheme.

The Sweet Potato's Vine Avenue location in The Junction is the target of a proposed amendment to the City of Toronto's Official Plan, which seeks to redesignate properties at 108-162 Vine Avenue from their current "Core Employment Areas" to a "Mixed Use Areas and Parks" designation that would allow a range of residential, commercial, and public spaces.

While no firm plans for specific buildings have been explored just yet — the application instead focuses purely on redesignating the land use for the site — a concept plan from architects Giannone Petricone Associates offers a glimpse into the potential for the location.

The application from Vine Avenue Holdings Limited features renderings of these concept designs "in order to illustrate the development potential of the subject site."

Giannone Petricone Associates

"As illustrated in the plans, it is anticipated that the subject site could be redeveloped with three tall buildings with approximately 750 square metre floor plates and heights of 18, 22 and 28 storeys, with above-grade parking, retail and commercial uses to be located within building podiums," state planning documents.

Giannone Petricone Associates

The Sweet Potato opened its Junction outpost at 108 Vine Avenue back in 2017, moving just around the corner from its original location.

The Sweet Potato

The loss of this location would be another significant blow to the brand, which had already closed another of its locations earlier this year. The Sweet Potato's Leaside location officially closed its doors on Feb. 14, 2025, citing rising costs for the closure.

The closure of the 1678 Bayview Ave. location — which had only opened in 2023 — reduced the brand to just the Junction flagship outpost, now being contemplated for redevelopment.

In the wake of that closure, the brand's founder, Digs Dorfman, told blogTO that "We really wanted to refocus our attention to our flagship store," explaining that the Leaside location faced numerous issues.

However, with this plan still in the earliest stages, it is unlikely the grocer's sole remaining location will be displaced any time soon.

For now, Sweet Potato's 108 Vine Avenue outpost will remain open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.