Marylene Vestergom, a local freelance writer and marketer, had a conversation with Paul Franzese, owner, RUCCI Menswear in the Yonge + St.Clair neighbourhood about menswear trends and how small businesses are taking it day-by-day.

Marylene has generously contributed this article to the Yonge + St. Clair BIA to spotlight how local businesses have been responding to the challenges brought about by COVID-19. 

As COVID continues to impact our the neighbourhood’s small businesses, spending and shopping habits have changed. Even the fashion industry has taken a hit. The question remains: will COVID set a new trend as a fashion indicator of these times? 

In the 1920s, economist George Taylor of the Wharton School of Business penned the term Hemline Index. It was his observation that the hemlines in women’s fashion were a direct correlation to the economy.  When the economy was booming – think mini-skirts. And during the depression and during economic downturns – hemlines dropped. From miniskirts to midis.

COVID has meant ZOOM calls and working from home. Will PJs and yoga clothing be the new uniform of choice in these pandemic times? Paul Franzese, owner of Rucci Menswear at Yonge and St. Clair, does not believe dressing well is a thing of the past. In fact, he’s hoping the pocket square in a fitted sports jacket will be replaced by a coordinated face mask, and he sees the face mask becoming a fashion index for our times. “We just have to ride out this nightmare, and our customers are helping us do just that. That’s what makes the Y+S neighbourhood special.”

Marylene Vestergom, Yonge + St.Clair: How long have you been in the Y&S area and why Y&S?

Paul Franzese: Since 1994, so 27 years. Originally, we were in Little Italy, but as the neighbourhood changed, we needed to find a location that catered to a more sophisticated clientele. This area of the city was ideal, and it allowed us to expand from 600 square feet to 2500. We cater to professional businessmen in their 30s, 40s, 50s plus. They have established their roots in this neighbourhood. It’s an expensive area of the city; with that comes a discerning clientele, and Rucci Menswear fits the bill and their lifestyle.  

MV, Y+S: What makes this neighborhood special?

PF: The people who live here. They come from all walks of life. You never know who will walk through the door. The best part is we’ve been a part of their journey — from CEOs, hockey players, singer Robert Palmer, and former Prime Minister John Turner was one of our customers. I even dressed CBC News legend Peter Mansbridge.  It was my honour to sell the suit he wore for his last evening broadcast on CBC’s The National. 

MV, Y+S: Why men’s fashion? 

PF: I have always loved the fashion industry. In fact, earlier in my career I used to model and I loved being involved in fashion shows. In fact, when the Yonge and St. Clair Centre first opened, I did their first fashion show. Those were good times! 

MV, Y+S: What can your customers expect when they visit Rucci? What are your COVID procedures?

PF: We adhere to all the protocols from Health Canada. We sanitize our hands and have hand sanitizers available.  We wear masks, we sanitize anything they touch including our entrance/doors etc., and if they try on anything that is in contact with bare skin, we put it aside for a day or two.

MV, Y+S: How has COVID impacted your business?

PF: We are very fortunate, as we have a lot of loyal customers. They know this pandemic has hit us hard. Some will drop by and pick up a few things even though they don’t need anything. That’s what makes this neighborhood and our clientele pretty special. Some will just call to see how we’re doing. They miss not being able to just drop by – especially some of our older customers. 

MV, Y+S: Has the style of your customers evolved since COVID? 

PF: It’s more dress casual. You can’t go wrong with a good tailored sports jacket from Italian designer Paul & Shark, some nicely fitted jeans, a great shirt with loafers or a flat boot. Our customers have put their suits on hold, but when they buy something from Paul & Shark, they get a smart, elegant cut that’s not only stylish but comfortable to wear. 

MV, Y+S: What is the one item of clothing every man needs?

PF: At Rucci we pride ourselves on providing a pulled-together look. Every man needs a nice sport jacket, which you can interchange with three slacks, three sports shirts. The look is clean and will always look impeccable, and it will take you through that ZOOM call or a quick shopping trip for groceries. These are times when you need to feel good, and getting out of your sweats is the first step to breaking out of that routine. If you look good – you’ll feel great, and everyone needs a boost.

MV, Y+S: What does the fall/winter season look like?

PF: Funny you should ask. What fall? Manufacturers were closed for the most part, so whatever we’re getting now is limited. What I can say is, we see a lot of muted greys, burgundy, olive greens and browns with blue overtones. Also, sweater jackets are big right now as everyone is embracing the cooler temps. And everyone should have a few scarves in their wardrobe. A nicely knotted scarf is a great way to finish your look. 

MV, Y+S: Last Words

PF: We always say – you need something. Not, do you need something? We exchange a good laugh with our customer over that one. And they’ll buy a pair of pants. These are very hard times. I’ve been in the retail game for 40 years and forecasting was second nature, but with COVID – we have no idea. Thank God the landlord is working with us. When we had to pay spring, we worked something out. Everybody is helping because they want us to stay in business – but it’s not easy. We couldn’t do it without the support of our loyal clientele, and that’s a sign of how special the Y+S community is. 

As for the future:  Truth is – we don’t know what’s happening tomorrow. Retail is tough at the best of times, but at least you could forecast. With COVID – it’s day-by-day. If things don’t open up, we won’t be getting the usual business. No one is travelling or going to special events – but today, our door is open. You need something!

Visit Rucci Menswear at 1426 Yonge Street or call 416. 975.5330

Thank you to all the participants who took park in this curbside holiday event at Yonge + St. Clair! And Congratulations to all 5 of the weekly winners: Tambler CK, the Berry Christmas Clan, Elaine S, Laurence B, and Darya K! 

Runs from Friday November 27, 2020 until Saturday January 2, 2021

The Windows of Glam is a socially distanced wintertime scavenger hunt in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood.

Visit the holiday window displays at participating storefront locations and complete all 13 scavenger hunt questions to be entered for a chance to win $500 in weekly prizes, and a chance to win the final grand prize draw of a $100 Yonge + St. Clair gift card.  The earlier you complete all the questions, the more chances you’ll earn to win the recurring weekly draw.

Interactive and festive, this entirely self-guided event is the perfect way to get out of the house with your family or housemates and support Yonge + St. Clair stores and shops throughout the winter season.

How to Play

STEP ONE
GET your copy of the scavenger hunt map and questions from a participating storefront location (see below) or download the Goosechase scavenger hunt app and search for “Windows of Glam: Winter Scavenger Hunt” or enter Game Code 97LZ54 on your iPhone in the official Apple App Store here, or for your Android in the Google Play Store here to play directly from mobile.

Alternatively, you may save and print the full scavenger hunt map and questions using this link: Windows of Glam Scavenger Hunt and Map

STEP TWO
VISIT each participating location in order to complete all 13 scavenger hunt questions. Answers to the questions are based on storefront displays or features that are only visible when you visit each location.

STEP THREE
SUBMIT your completed questions to any participating storefront location, or send a photo of your completed map to info@yongestclair.ca.

If you’ve completed the scavenger hunt through Goosechase, simply await weekly prize announcements.

Check your email for updates, or follow our social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to see if you’ve won the prize draws.

Please note: The earlier you submit your completed map, the more chances you will earn to win the recurring weekly prize draw.

Participating Locations

Pick up or drop off your Windows of Glam scavenger hunt map at these locations:

Open each location link to view in Google Maps.

A) Midtown Gastro Hub – 1535 Yonge St.
B) Ambiyan on Yonge – 1560 Yonge St. (First Floor Plaza)
C) Tim Hortons on Yonge – 1521 Yonge St.
D) Shoppers Drug Mart – 1507 Yonge St.

E) St. Clair Centre – 2 St. Clair E
F) Kaltenbock – 2 St. Clair E (Ground Floor)
G) La Barista Cafe – 2 St. Clair E (Bottom Floor)
H) Marquess Jewelers – 2 St. Clair E (Bottom Floor)

I) Tim Hortons on St. Clair – 55 St. Clair W
J) Zelden’s Deli – 1446 Yonge St.
K) Oxford Learning – 44 St. Clair E

L) 81 St. Clair E – Indoor Mall
M) AVA Pharmacy – 81 St. Clair E (Indoor Mall)

N) Paperboy Cards and Gifts – 7 Pleasant Blvd.
O) Bombay Roti – 1404 Yonge St.

Tag and share your photos using #WindowsOfGlam

As part of the ongoing #WellnessYSC series at Yonge + St. Clair, we wanted to explore the modern myths about psychotherapy. We spoke with the founder of Straight Up Health, Jen Peacock who leads the therapy clinic at 2 St. Clair W, to learn more about the current views surrounding the practice and how the industry as a whole is making new ground in becoming an essential part of everyday self-care and healthy living.

Straight Up Health has an expert team that delivers therapy that’s fresh and relatable to the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood both in-person and virtually.

What you’ll find in this article: A Q+A about modern therapy, an actionable checklist for mental wellbeing, and an intro to the Straight Up Health clinic space.

Defining Modern, Mental Health

Yonge + St. Clair (YSC): What is therapy?

Jen Peacock, Straight Up Health (JP): Psychotherapy or “therapy”  is a collaborative process between a client and mental health practitioner that is aimed at treating emotional and mental health issues. Therapy can be provided by a range of licensed professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and counsellors. There are many different kinds of therapy including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT); Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT); and Narrative Therapy. Regardless of the modality, one of the most important aspects of therapy is the therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic alliance is a working relationship between a therapist and their client which is aimed at benefiting the latter. A good therapeutic alliance is characterized by three essential qualities–an emotional bond of trust, empathy, genuineness and respect; an agreement on the tasks and objectives of treatment; and collaboration and mutuality. Although many factors impact whether or not therapy will be beneficial for the client, studies have consistently shown that the quality of the therapeutic alliance is the number one predictor of positive therapeutic outcomes.

YSC: Can you tell us about your practice and the timeliness of what you offer to a modern, Toronto population that may be experiencing a need for it – especially given the current state of at-home working, and lifestyle changes?

JP: Straight Up Health is a mental health, wellness and development clinic located here at midtown Toronto (Yonge + St. Clair) and virtually across Ontario. We offer accessible and empowering mental health care to teens, young adults and families. Our team of Registered Social Workers and Psychiatrists are highly specialized in supporting this demographic using a wide range of therapy modalities.

We work to break down stigma and normalize support, providing connective therapy options based on individual needs. Each client is matched with a therapist based on their unique preferences, needs and goals, because with therapy, fit is everything. Once matched, we set up a free consultation call with the best fit therapist for you. The process is quick, seamless and best of all, we have no waitlist! You can connect with a therapist today.

YSC: What are some of the sociocultural deterrents to accessing mental health care?

JP: Although we have made great strides in addressing the stigma attached to seeking professional help for mental health issues, stigma remains a major deterrent to accessing care. Common stigmatizing myths include the idea that those who seek therapy are weak or flawed. There is a difference between weakness and vulnerability. Vulnerability is about having the courage to show up as you are. Far from demonstrating weakness, being vulnerable enough to ask for support shows great strength. People who seek therapy do so for a variety of reasons ranging from difficult life transitions to complex mental illnesses. All are valid reasons for seeking help.

YSC: Looking ahead to the near future, what’s the upside to communities that give mental health the weight it deserves?

JP: When communities prioritize mental health, they promote healthier relationships between members on an interpersonal and professional level. Receiving mental health support allows people to better care for themselves and others. It also empowers individuals to communicate better and set healthy boundaries. Prioritizing mental health also enables communities to address and interrupt cycles of intergenerational trauma. Intergenerational trauma is a phenomenon where unaddressed trauma-related stress is passed down from survivors onto subsequent generations. It is important to note that community mental health involves more than therapy. It also includes addressing broader structural problems that contribute to mental health issues such as poverty and systemic discrimination.

Wellness to-dos:

YSC: What are some best practices you might recommend for the everyday person to do to keep up with good mental health – maybe an actionable checklist?

JP: Here are six everyday things that someone could do:

1) Develop a practice that enables you to feel and process your emotions without judgement. This can include a variety of mindfulness activities, such as meditation and grounding exercises. It can also involve regular journaling.

2) Prioritize rest when you can. Productivity is highly valued in our outcome focused culture but prioritizing rest supports your mental health and has the added benefit of improving the quality of your work by fueling creativity and ensuring that you move at a sustainable pace.

3) Develop a regular sleep routine. Maintaining a consistent nightly routine and sleeping at a regular hour will help to enhance the quality of your sleep. Studies consistently show that sleep wellness is critical to mental well being.

4) Try to maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise. A well-balanced diet high in complex grains and rich in fruits and vegetables is known to have mood boosting properties. Regular exercise improves sleep and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

5) Build a circle of loving and supportive individuals. This can include family members, friends and coworkers. Human beings are social creatures and we crave love, connection and belonging. Ensuring that we receive that is critical for our mental health.

6) Seek support when needed. Lean on your trusted circle when you are feeling sad, anxious or otherwise overwhelmed. Know that it is okay to seek professional help if you feel like you need the support of a trained practitioner.

Meet the team, owner and explore the space at Straight Up Health.

YSC: Can you highlight or describe some of the various spaces and their function in supporting the work you do with clients?

JP: At our Straight Up Health clinic we have 6 personal therapy rooms, as well as a larger room to facilitate the wellness workshops we run. We also have a waiting area with lots of great snacks to ensure you are energized for your session. Each room is private and confidential, is comfortable and built with the intention of creating a safe space for real talk.

YSC: Let’s talk about the team at Straight Up Health, are there any interesting stories behind the professionals that have helped guide them to pursue the field of mental health? And would you be open to sharing your story leading up to opening Straight Up Health?

JP: My personal story of starting a mental health clinic is based on the foundation of joining the Sick Kids Innovators Group which is a program that engages the next generation of philanthropists to support SickKids Foundation and speedily deploy funds in the areas of most need. Through this, it was glaringly obvious the need for more mental health support and resources, especially when it comes to youth. Youth and parents of youth need to have better access to resources and education about mental health in order to obtain the support they need.

Our team of therapists, psychiatrists and coaches are all educated and experienced in working with the youth demographic, and cover a wide range of modalities. Most of our team also currently work in a mental health capacity in the hospital system or the school system, so their day-to-day experience also lends itself nicely to the work they do in their private practice. Please find more about our team either through our IG account @straightuphealth.ca or our website www.straightuphealth.ca

YSC: Although we might not be able to speak directly to the individual cases, would you share some of the impacts that your team works to accomplish on a daily basis?

JP: At Straight Up Health, we view therapy as a highly collaborative process. Our therapists position clients as the experts on their own lives. As such, the desired impacts of therapy will depend on the values and needs of each client. Some clients may be seeking to understand their triggers; improve their personal relationships; or navigate a particularly challenging life transition. Regardless of the client’s therapeutic objectives, however, our therapists always aim to create a space of safety and support that empowers clients to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgement and address the issues that pushed them to seek help. We also strive to help clients develop the tools and resources they need to navigate the challenges they are facing. An important aspect of this is psychoeducation–i.e. equipping clients with knowledge and information that helps them to better understand and cope with mental health issues.

YSC: And ultimately, the vision of Straight Up Health.

JP: To connect with and support youth in a way that is empowering and accessible through any stage and phase of their mental health journey. Our team is dedicated to providing the tools and strategies to ensure that youth feel heard, seen and valued every step of the way.

YSC: What’s the best way to for someone to get in touch with your team? And are there any ongoing programs that you’d like people to be aware of?

JP: The first step is to reach out via email, phone or website. We can match you with the best therapist and get you set up with a free consultation call. You can also schedule your consultation call directly online through our online booking system.

Email: hi@straightuphealth.ca

Phone: 416-666-5482

Website: www.straightuphealth.ca

Warm up to the heated interior of Oxygen Yoga and Fitness yoga studio located at 1560 Yonge St. which boasts a fitness space that comes equipped with a far-infrared paneled ceiling to bring up the temperature for a refreshing, deep sweat each and every class.

We take a deep dive into the fresh new angle that owner Ronit Wilk and her team brings to the health + wellness scene in the neighbourhood.

What you’ll find in this article: A Q+A about the studio and inspiration for this yoga studio, 5 Tips for healthier living, and an intro to SciArt – the multi disciplinary approach to science and art that inspired this franchise location.

Q+A Explore The Infrared Studio

Yonge + St. Clair (YSC) : Let’s talk about the big, infrared studio you’ve created inside your unit. It’s nothing like we’ve seen before and feels like a tropical retreat the moment you step in. Can you tell us more about it?

Ronit W (RW): It’s not your typical yoga studio! We use far-infrared panels to warm up the room. It helps with detox, relaxation, pain relief, weight loss, skin purification. We also have a state-of-the-art air exchange system that brings fresh air to the yoga studio while people are working out, nobody else has this to my knowledge, and we’ve purchased a fogger to disinfect the studio and the equipment between classes.

YSC: Can you describe how those benefits tie in with how your classes are led?

RW: For each category this is how it works:

Detox – In normal room temperature, the heat hits the skin then penetrates down into the body to eventually heat up your core. In a far-infrared room, the heat bypasses the skin and hits the core temperature and radiates outwards. We target raising that core temperature so that your body is able to release toxins and sweat it out!

Relaxation – The heat promotes relaxation (which you can feel the moment you walk into the heated studio) which in turn helps lower your stress hormones called cortisol. The goal is to balance your cortisol and as a result your thyroid, insulin, testosterone and estrogen will also be kept in balance.

Pain Relief – The heated studio also help in releasing muscle and joint pain by increasing circulation, which in turn lowers inflammation.

Weight Loss – With the increase of your core temperature, your heart rate increases which encourages your body to work harder. Combined with the exercises throughout the duration of our classes, your body works harder to lower your core temperature and that process helps with weight loss.

Skin Purification – Sweating in the additional heat purifies the skin by eliminating toxins from your skin’s pores. Clients notice that their skin becomes clearer, softer, and healthier looking.

YSC: Most guests will notice that you have SciArt pieces framed at the entrance of your studio – they are microscope images – can you tell us more about those?

RW: Those art pieces are images of hormones that regulate mood and emotion! They include the molecules that help us experience joy, optimism – reflecting the focus of our studio’s approach and the benefits of what we bring to clients.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Oxygen Yoga & Fitness (@oxygenyogaandfitness) on Nov 14, 2019 at 6:52pm PST

 

Meet the Owner and Team

YSC: Has your expertise always been in this industry?

RW: I was a scientist at the University of Toronto. I have the designations of BSc / MSc / PhD… For many years I was incredibly engaged in the field and worked for many institutions associated with UofT which included SickKids, Mount Sinai, and the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. However, about two years ago, the funding for the lab I worked at simply ran out and I was faced with two options: to continue as a Research Associate in the field or to start something on my own and switch careers. I opted for the latter. I got interested in Art based microscopy images, SciArt.

YSC: It sounds like you must have had a realization of some kind to turn your attention to running a local studio?

RW: For years I had viewed beautiful organisms and cells under a fluorescent microscope and wanted to share those gorgeous images with the world. As I spent more and more time sitting down to design and draw, I wanted to get moving again, and went to the Oxygen Yoga & Fitness near my house with my husband. We immediately fell in love with the classes and felt a positive change in both our bodies and attitudes—this was not your typical yoga and fitness studio.

Once we learned that franchising was an option, the Yonge & St. Clair community in Toronto seemed like the perfect spot to place our studio. After renovating the space for many months and paying attention to all the minute details, we opened in November 2019. We are excited to be re-opened after this 4 month lockdown due to the pandemic. We are back stronger! And I’m running the studio with my husband Daniel.

YSC: Your approach is brought to life by a dedicated team as well, can you tell us what your clients can expect when they come to Oxygen?

RW: We have the best group of instructors and staff. Our goal is to make everyone feel welcomed and not judged. We offer every class for Yoga and Fitness at levels 1, 2, 3 so everyone is welcome. We have a range of classes from “Deep Stretch Relaxation with Candlelight” to “Yoga Flow” to “Power Fusion” to “Tone and Sculpt HIT” and even “Boxing Fusion.” I can say that all of our classes are fun, with great music and it’s all very engaging.

YSC: Are there any special moments you’ve had throughout this journey with the local clients here at Yonge + St. Clair?

RW: I’ve had so many! Even though we haven’t been open for very long, I’ve watched the community grow. Some members and I can talk for hours and it’s incredible to see their journey. For instance, I have a 66-year old member who is a stroke survivor, and prior to the lockdown, she came to OY&F every day. Since we’ve reopened she’s been back every day, and just surpassed the 2 year mark of when she had her stroke. We’ve started friendships here – people who met here and stayed friends. We have families come in, mothers and daughters, couples and work partners. We’re creating our own family here. We also have a lovely lunch crowd that came by almost every day. Some of those members have now informally joined the ‘100 class club’! I find it so impressive that they’ve completed this milestone despite only being open since November 2019.

5 Tips to Better Living

YSC: Can you shed some insight, some tips for living life according to you?

RW: Five tips for a better living: 1) Be present in the moment. 2) Before going to sleep, think about 3 things that you appreciate in your life. 3) Every story has another side… be positive and optimistic. 4) Be empathetic always. 5) Do more yoga and fitness 🙂

Get in Touch with Oxygen Yoga & Fitness St. Clair

YSC: What are some of the best ways for new clients to stay in touch with you?

RW: The exciting thing is we have our own app – Oxygen Yoga & Fitness App – Yonge + St. Clair Location – to book classes and everyone can try us for an entire week of classes for only $10. There’s also an online class series for anyone who can’t make it to the studio: http://oxygenyogaandfitness.com/vs/

We’ve been working very hard with the other Toronto OY&F locations to have online workout sessions and some workshops. Even when the lockdown is over, please look out for full online classes in the near future! You can always check out @oxygenyonge_stclair to learn more or email yonge_stclair@oxygenyogafitness.com to book in-class sessions.

More on SciArt

“Art and science have long shared a common ground; the ground of boundless inquiry about the nature of our existence. It has only been for the past few decades, however, that artists have turned their creative gaze towards the sciences as their sole source of artistic information, inspiration, and conceptualization. SciArt, or science-based art, is the avant-garde of the art world, with an increasing number of artists who hold doctorate degrees in the sciences, who are funded by the NSF, and who hold artistic residencies in scientific institutions such as CERN.” – Julia Buntaine Hoel, Founder of SciArt Magazine – www.sciartmagazine.com

Ronit’s first venture was through SciArt Prints (@sciartprints), a start-up that merged her scientific background with her love for art. You can also use the Instagram link to find printed scarves featuring her SciArt. Alternatively, visit this link to see the website. Some of these art pieces can be found inside the Oxygen Yoga & Fitness location at Yonge + St. Clair, at 1560 Yonge St.

The SciArt featured in the lobby of Oxygen Yoga & Fitness include enlarged, microscopic photography and art of molecules including:

Love: Digital illustration of real Oxytocin crystals, the love hormone.

Joy: Digital illustration of real dopamine crystal, a neurotransmitter related to Joy, focus and pleasure.

Balance: Digital illustration of an Estrogen crystal, important for bone health, sleep, mood and general healthy metabolism.

Health: A Vitamin C crystal image, reminding us that good nutrition is essential for good health.

Optimism: Digital illustration of beta-endorphin, it is a neuropeptide that we produce when we exercise, and when we are happy and laugh.

To explore more art in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood, visit the free, local public art including the Deer Park mural piece by birdO at 1 St. Clair E, the phlegm mural at 1 St. Clair W, and the #WaterfallYSC installation by Studio F-Minus at 1406 Yonge St.

Although travelling to far off destinations may not be in the cards, your feet can be your passport to discovery. And from a wellness perspective, just getting outside can boost your mood, reduce stress, and shake off those cobwebs.

Marylene Vestergom, a local freelance writer and marketer, had a conversation with Jeffrey D Cowen, Chiropodist-Foot Specialist at JD Cowen Footcare to explore the importance of foot health an often-overlooked aspect of self-care that can contribute greatly to one’s health.

Marylene has generously contributed this article to the Yonge + St. Clair BIA to spotlight the impacts of footcare as well as how local practices have been responding to the challenges brought about by COVID-19. 

Marylene Vestergom, for Yonge + St. Clair: Paying attention to the health of your feet should be a lifetime investment. The average active person takes around 7,500 steps a day. And by age 80, they’ll have walked about 216,262,500 steps or around 177,000 km in their lifetime. That’s equivalent to walking about five times around the Earth. 

Jeffrey D Cowen: Your feet are fine-tuned instruments. One of the most overlooked parts of health care is our feet. I try to educate my patients to be more aware of them, by doing some simple checks every so often of toes, toenails, and the bottom of their feet for things like cracked skin or nails that don’t look healthy. And to seek treatment right away. Now more than ever, it’s important to invest in their feet.

MV, Y+S: Are you finding your patients walking more?

JDC: Yes. People need an outlet to keep fit and healthy – mentally and physically, and walking is one of the best remedies. But as we age – gravity is not our friend. Considering the impact our feet endure over our lifetime, it’s not surprising that those over 40 will start experiencing thinning of the fat pads in the heel and ball area. As a preventative measure, I would recommend they don’t walk barefoot on floors, especially if you have dropped arches or a bunion. Your feet have to absorb the pressure coming from the hard floors, and it can lead to more discomfort. 

MV, Y+S: What are some instantly actionable tips that people can do to immediately take care of their foot health?

JDC: Here are some quick tips:

+ When buying shoes always have your foot measured. Sizes differ between brands of shoes – make sure to get the right fit. If running or walking shoes are on offer, check out a specialty store like New Balance which offers orthotic friendly options and professional fit service.

+ Shop for shoes at the end of the day when the feet are most swollen and don’t get too caught up in the shoe size — comfort is more important.

+ To prevent irritations such as blisters, avoid cotton socks, as they can trap moisture. Choose moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester, and spandex. And make sure the sock fits your foot.

+ Moisturize your feet to keep them supple and prevent cracks in the skin.

+ Massage your foot by rolling it over a tennis ball.

MV, Y+S: Let’s talk about your business. How has COVID-19 impacted your business?

JDC: Like many businesses in order to curb the pandemic, we were closed by the Ministry of Health. We re-opened late June, and since that time we’ve been managing a backlog of patients who went without care. This was especially consequential for high-risk patients like those who have diabetes. 

MV, Y+S: How has your clinic changed? 

JDC: Although I offer virtual podiatry care, it is limited, given much of what I do is hands-on and procedural based. I have however, increased my electronic communication with patients, and I try to provide follow-up care via email or phone.  

MV, Y+S: What can your patients expect when they visit you? What are your COVID procedures?

JDC: My clinic is employing all Ministry of Health guidelines in terms of COVID-19 protocols, which include full mask requirements, floor distancing markers, pre-screening before a patient enters the clinic, multiple hand sanitizing stations throughout the clinic, full front desk screen shields to separate the patients from the front desk staff.  Most importantly, I am only seeing two patients per hour in an effort to maintain full distancing between patients. So, I’m seeing half the number of patients per hour; subsequently, each treatment room and the waiting room is fully cleaned/wiped down in between each and every patient with anti-COVID / anti-viral disinfectants.

MV, Y+S: How have your patients been dealing with COVID-19?

JDC: My patients are certainly having a difficult time with home isolation and there is an increased struggle with mental health issues.  I spend extra time with each patient to just talk with them about how they are managing and I often ask patients to email me from time-to-time, just to check in. It’s essential to keep the lines of communication open. 

MV, Y+S: How long have you been in the Y&S area?

JDC: I’ve been in this area for 12 years now, and I’m looking to move my residence to the Y+S neighbourhood based on my comfort and sense of community I feel here.

MV, Y+S: What makes this neighbourhood special?

JDC: The old neighbourhood ‘old Toronto’ feel that pervades each small hub of streets, as well as, the warmth of the people that live here. It’s a slower, down to earth feel here. It’s been heartbreaking to see many businesses have been suffering. That’s why it’s great to see the Yonge + St. Clair community supporting small businesses in the area. We are open for business.

MV, Y+S: Anything else you’d like to say to the community?

JDC: It’s important we don’t take our feet for granted. The sole of the foot contains millions of nerve endings that help to transmit information to our brain on how to balance and react to our surroundings. So, addressing any underlying foot issues helps us age more gracefully. Imbalances are common, and when you add any injuries — even a blister — pain changes the way you move. Your feet are the blueprint to your well-being. If you lose mobility, your health and quality of life will be impacted. So, take care of your feet.

Visit:  JD Cowen Foot Clinic, Balmoral Medical Arts Building @ 1366 Yonge Street, Suite #403 or visit thefootguru.ca or call 416-920-4878

Schools are back in session starting September 15, 2020 across Ontario. To help you get the most of your back to school preparations, we’ve compiled a list of local retail that will cover your school shopping essentials, along with new and interesting points of interest at Yonge + St. Clair.

Shop for School Locally

The Papery
Located at 1424 Yonge St.
thepaperytoronto.com
416-968-0706

Who they are: The Papery offers a range of personalized paper goods but it’s much more than that, it’s a boutique store with a wide variety of products that should keep you busy browsing their selection.

What to shop for: If you’re in the market for something beyond your bulk order variety goods and prefer to have stationery that feels like its truly your own, make this your shop to visit. When you walk in you’ll get a sense that there’s a lot of care given to the categories of paper goods carried here. Recently the Rhodia brand of notebooks they carry have been popular – featuring pages that are lined, blank, graph, or french-ruled to meet all your note-taking needs.

They’ve recently started showcasing more of their products on Instagram, which you can browse here: instagram.com/_thepapery 

Midtown Tech
Located at 1391 Yonge St.
midtowntech.ca
416 925 8324

Who they are: Midtown Tech is Yonge + St. Clair’s neighbourhood authorized Apple retailer and repair shop. It’s a local independent store and you’ll get direct customer care since the owner is often around, assisted by friendly and knowledgeable staff. You can tell these are folks who have an interest in the technology they’re working with.

What to shop for: If you’re shopping for both new and pre-owned Apple goods this is the place to go. And if you’re looking for additional electronic essentials, including attachments to turn your cellphone into a wallet, bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones and more – they have it.

This season they are also offering curbside pickup and service, delivery, and phone orders. See their website for more information: midtowntech.ca

Book City
Located at 1430 Yonge St.
bookcity.ca
416 926 0749

Who they are: Book City is an independent Toronto book chain that offers some of the best book finds for great prices.

What to shop for: From the newest releases to bargain gems, Book City gives you enough selection to create your quintessential book nook. If you’re shopping for kids, they have a dedicated children’s reading section. The shopping experience here is always worth the trip as they frequently update their stock.

Paperboy Cards and Gifts
Located at 7 Pleasant Blvd.
416 926 8622

Who they are: Paperboy Cards and Gifts carries unique finds that are fun and fresh, with a flair for boutique novelty goods.

What to shop for: They are stocked wall to wall with cards, gifts and specialty goods for any occasion, stop by to see what’s in stock!

More Local Services

Oxford Learning Rosedale
Located at 44 St. Clair E – 2nd Floor
oxfordlearning.com
647 691 9283 

Who they are: The Oxford Learning Centre is a local tutoring service to help students advance their Math, Science, English or French skills in the classroom.

What they do: Offering both in-class and online tutoring services, students can advance their skills and gain confidence with key subjects. From exam prep to accelerated learning, you’ll find programs that offer hands-on education.

Forest Hill Orthodontics
Located at 72 St. Clair W
foresthillortho.com
416 921 6772

Who they are: A family focused orthodontics team that’s dedicated to providing the best treatment and solutions to patients of all ages.

What they do: The Forest Hill Ortho team covers all forms of dental care, whether it’s braces or an Invisalign, to same day care, to personalized care and treatment.

Straight Up Health
Located at 2 St. Clair W – Suite 1004
straightuphealth.ca
416 666 5482

Who they are: Straight Up Health is a local team of therapists and social workers who specialize in positive wellness and mental well-being for young adults and adults.

What they do: Providing both in-office and online sessions, Straight Up Health is modernizing the way that young adults can approach mental health, taking a special focus on the productive and positive aspects of supportive therapy.

From August 7 – September 25, 2020 the Yonge + St. Clair BIA welcomes you to enjoy a series of live jazz performances free of charge every Friday afternoon from 12PM – 1PM, at the intersection of Yonge + St. Clair.

Enjoy great live musical duos with a roster of seasoned, local performers.

Schedule

Friday August 7 – Adrean Farrugia  and Chris Gale | Keyboard and Saxophone

Friday August 14 – Lester McLean and Michael Occhipinti | Vocals, Percussion and Guitar

Friday August 21 – Bill McBirnie and Bernie Senensky | Flute and Keyboard

Friday August 28 – Julie Michels and Kevin Barrett | Vocals and Guitar

Friday September 4 – Irene Torres and Eric St. Laurent | Vocals and Guitar

Friday September 11 – Queen Pepper and Eric Boucher | Keyboard and Bass Guitar

Friday September 18 – Alexander Brown and Bernie Senensky | Trumpet and Keyboard

Friday September 25 – Randall Hall and Thompson Egbo-Egbo | Vocals and Keyboard

Please note that this schedule is subject to change, including rescheduling due to inclement weather. Follow Yonge + St. Clair on social media for updates.

Patio season is back at Yonge + St. Clair meaning you can find great food and drinks all around the neighbourhood. In addition, newly installed CafeTO curb lane patios will provide even more seating space. Check in with your favourite places to dine + drink before you visit for operating hours and reservations!

Last updated: July 31, 2020

PATIOS

Zelden’s Deli and Desserts

Location: 1446 Yonge St.

Zelden’s is the perfect blend of classic deli dishes and more modern dishes aimed at evolving the style. Housed in what can only be described as a jazzy, vintage-modern locale Zelden’s prides itself as the evolution of deli. Visit their storefront patio for some must-try classics. See their menu here.

Union Social Eatery

Location: 21 St. Clair W

A local hotspot, Union Social Eatery is opening their curbside patio (soon!) to serve their classic fare. Stay tuned for more information. Contact 416-901-3456 or visit their website for more information.

Capocaccia Trattoria

Location: 1366 Yonge St.

Capocaccia is a neighbourhood trattoria inspired by the rustic cuisine of southern Italy. Join them on their patio, and call ahead to inquire about reservations: (416) 921-3141 or visit their website for more information.

Midtown Gastro Hub

Location: 1535 Yonge St.

This iconic multi-storey hotspot is back in action with their outdoor patio open to serve you. Catch up on some classic bites and drinks and kick off your season right! For full details and to inquire about how to land a spot, see their website. Additionally, take out and delivery is available from their site.

iQ Food Co.

Location: 2 St. Clair W, on Yonge.

iQ serves up healthy meals choices with a modern flair. From salads, to smoothies, to feel-good desserts you’ll find it at iQ. Pull up a chair on their new sidewalk patio. Contact them at hello@iqfoodco.com or (647) 350-7722 for store hours.

Barnsteiner’s 

Location: 1 Balmoral Ave. Hours: Mon – Sat Noon – 9PM. Sun 530PM – 830PM

Catch up over trendy culinary dishes and beverages at Barnsteiner’s with their patio seating. The quintessential restaurant dining experience you’ve missed so much is back! You can contact Barnsteiner’s directly at 416 515 0551 or visit their website for more details or to order food to go.

Ambiyan on Yonge

Location: 1560 Yonge St. – Tucked away in the plaza corridor near Popeye’s

Tucked away along the busy Yonge St. corridor, Ambiyan on Yonge serves modern Indian cuisine and beverages on their patio. It may be one of your new favourite hangouts this season since their patio has partial cover in the Delisle Court plaza offering both an outdoor + indoor atmosphere. See their website for menu and options. Call 416 792 5656 for reservations.

Nove Trattoria

Location: 1406 Yonge St.

Traditional Italian cuisine you can now enjoy on Nove’s new outdoor seating. Call to place orders or to learn more about their patio schedule (647) 345-5848.

9Bars Cafe

Location: 46 St. Clair E Hours: Wed – Sat 4PM – 8PM, and Sun 11AM – 3PM.

9Bars cafe is a cozy local cafe with gelato being served on their patio. Enjoy a quick treat on their patio or get something to go through pickup or delivery!

Mermaid Fish and Grill House

Location: 44 St. Clair E

With Mediterranean inspired cuisine, attentive, and seamless service, Mermaid Fish and Grill House Restaurant offers an exquisite menu with high-quality ingredients and fresh fish recipes. Book your spot on their patio by calling (416) 546 9158, or see their menu here.

Browne’s Bistro

Location 1251 Yonge Street  Patio Time Slots: 4:30 – 6:30 PM; 6:30 – 8:30 PM; 8:30 – 10:30 PM

Limited patio seating now available! Call (416) 924-8132 or email reservations@brownesbistro.com to make a reservation!

TAKEOUT

Great meals are available for takeout if you want to find some bites and drinks to take home. See the full list of what’s open nearby here: What’s Open at Yonge + St. Clair

Or if you’d like to notify us of local patio you’ve spotted that’s now open, contact us at info@yongestclair.ca

Local businesses at Yonge + St. Clair businesses are reopening, or offering additional ways to shop and support local in response to the impacts of COVID-19. This page contains frequent updates about what’s open at Yonge + St. Clair, sorted by business category, and includes modified operating hours and ways to get in touch. Remember to bookmark and save this page for added convenience.

Last updated: August 21, 2020.

Additional businesses and services in Toronto have been be authorized to reopen according to Ontario’s stage 3 health and safety guidelines, including patio seating and limited indoor dining. 

Retail

+ Alleen’s Custom Window Treatments – Open for curbside pickup and virtual consultations via their website.

+ Ava Pharmacy – Open in-store. See website for more details.

+ Book City – Contactless delivery for book purchases from this indie book store. Shop and learn more: Visit the Book City Website. Contactless pickup starting May 20.

+ Canadian Outlet – Storefront open. Mon – Fri, 8AM – 8PM, Sat 9AM-8PM, Sun 10AM-7 PM. Call 647 748 5454 for storefront.

+ Dove Cleaners – Modified hours: Mon – Fri, 10AM – 6PM. Sat and Sun, 9AM – 3PM.

+ Ginger Flower Studio – Order and shop the floral shop completely online, with delivery: Visit Ginger Flower Studio’s Website

+ Home Hardware Deer Park – Open Monday to Friday, 9AM – 6PM

+ Deluxe Cleaners. Open Mon – Fri, 10AM – 5PM.

+ Eden Flowers – Open in-store.

+ Florigens – Open for delivery, 10am – 1pm. Call 416-935-0130 or visit florigensdesign.com

+ ID Eyewear – Open in- store via shopping appointment. Tues – Fri from 12PM – 3PM. Contact ideyewear@hotmail.com or call 416-926-9200.

+ LCBO

+ Marquess Jewellers – Shop online, visit Marquess Jeweller’s online shop.

+ Midtown Tech – To service your tech needs and to order items for delivery call 416-925-8524. Midtown Tech is an authorized Apple product retailer.

+ Moore Park Cleaners – Open. Mon – Sat, 10AM – 5PM

+ Olsson Optical – Professional opticians providing essential visual care: prescription eyewear and lenses , sunglasses, repairs. COVID-19 emergency hours: Tuesday through Friday 11.00 am till 4 pm. Also available by personal appointment outside of temporary business hours. (please e-mail info@olssonoptical.ca, or call 416 924-0900)

+ Paperboy Cards and Gifts – Open for retail Mon – Sat from 10AM – 5PM. You can reach staff at 416-926-8622. You will receive a call back if the call is missed.

+ Roots – Mon – Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-5pm.

+ Shoppers Drug Mart – Yonge + St. Clair store location open. Hours may vary.

+ St. Clair Greetings – Open Mon – Fri, 12PM – 5PM and Sat, 12PM – 4PM. For more details visit their website.

+ The Chocolate Tulip –  Order and shop online. For upcoming special occasions, advance orders are accepted. No contact delivery. Call 416-921-559 or Visit Chocolate Tulip’s Website.

+ TPH The Printing House –  Is open for contactless orders at 2 St. Clair E. Requests must be emailed to branch030@tph.ca between 9AM-5PM, Monday to Friday. Or call 416-964-6580 for further inquiries.

+ The Health Shoppe – Open at their new location at 1376 Yonge St., and offering a wide selection of health and beauty products, supplements, fresh foods, giftware etc. Visit their website here or call (416) 968 1225.

+ The Papery – Open in-store 10AM to 4PM. See The Papery website or contact 416-968-0706.

+ Venus Lingerie – Open Tues, Thurs, and Sat from 11am to 5pm. Visit their website here, call 416-923-5217, or email venuslingerietoronto@hotmail.com

+ Walking on a Cloud. Open Tues and Wed, 11AM to 5PM, Thurs from 12PM to 7PM, and Fri and Sat from 11AM to 5PM. To order curb-side pickup call 416-925-4990.

Health + Wellness

Gyms + Fitness + Massage

+ Ace Sports Clinic – In-person services are now reopened for Mon – Sat. Book an appointment.  For ongoing programs and services, see the Ace Sports Clinic booking page and website. Follow Ace Sports Clinic on their Instagram page for upcoming promotions, and ongoing free digital wellness content.

+ b-Stretched – Open for appointments with stretch therapy practitioners. Call 416-901-0103 or email info@b-stretched.com

+ Balance Fitness – Gym now open via appointment. Call 416-BALANCE (225-2623) and follow Balance Fitness’ Instagram Posts Page for wellness and workout content.

+ barre3 – Book now for online, outdoor, and indoor classes. Ongoing 45 min livestream classes are bookable just like barre3’s traditional studio classes. See pricing and reservations on the barre3 Toronto website and MindBody page.  Livestreams and the existing barre3 online monthly memberships feature on-demand classes ranging from 10-60 mins. Please note there is a 20%

+ Chi Spa – In-person appointments, and in-store retail now open. Please call 416 515 8288 for bookings and appointments, and more information.

+ Healthy Habits 360 – Livestreaming classes are on Instagram: Visit Healthy Habits 360’s Instagram Page. Livestream schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2PM.

+ King Thai Massage –  Opens July 1, 2020.  Visit their website or contact 416-924-1818 for more info.

+ Modo Yoga Uptown – Livestreaming classes and schedules are on Instagram: Visit Modo Yoga Uptown’s Instagram Page. Also accepting contributions and donations to keep the free classes running. Donate and support: Visit the Modo Yoga GoFundMe page.

+ Oxygen Yoga and Fitness at Yonge + St. Clair – Gym now open! Book an online Instagram class here: Oxygen Yoga and Fitness’ Site. Order natural health supplements delivered to your home: Visit the online store. Also accepting contributions and donations to keep the free classes running. Donate and support: Visit Oxygen’s GoFundMe page.

+ Spring Wellness Clinic – In-clinic appointments open. You can visit their website to book online or email info@springwellness.ca for more information.

Healthcare

+ Forest Hill Orthodontics – Open online for virtual dental consultations. Book a time by visiting the Forest Hill Orthodontics webpage.

+ Midtown Physiotherapy – Is open for in-clinic and at home.  Also, virtual physiotherapy is available (online, using a laptop or camera-enabled device), which gives a social-distancing option to people who would prefer that. Appointment times are managed to minimize waiting and overlaps. The clinic is open full days Mon – Fri, and you can book clinic visits online, or call to arrange a time.  www.midtownphysiotherapy.com

+ Mosaic Physiotherapy  – Open for in-person bookings via this link. Visit the Mosaic Physiotherapy website for more details.

+ The Centre for Health, Fitness and Performance – Location now open 5 days a week for Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, and Naturopathic care. In addition, offering Virtual Therapy for Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Psychotherapy, and Jaw therapy 7 days a week. They are also available for emergency and urgent cases, please contact by phone 416-972-6279 or email clinic@cffhp.com to inquire. Visit www.cffhp.com for more information on services, virtual care, and emergency care policies.

+ The Chiropractic and Health Associates Clinic – Re-opened for in-person appointments. Patients can email Dr. Green directly to make an appointment. Phone (416) 924-0777  or visit their website.

+ Toronto Foot Clinic / Ask Podiatrist – Contact podiatrist, Andrew Klayman by visiting the Ask Podiatrist website for foot-related healthcare.

Salons + Beauty

+ Blowdry Lounge – In-person appointments now open. Book your appointment online.

+ Cozy Spa – In-person appointments open 1030 – 730 PM Offering curb-side pickup. Call 647-609-0211 or email cozyspanails@gmail.com

+ David Scott Beauty – Visit the new davidscottbeauty.com for salon product orders.

+ Glamour Secrets – In-person appointments now open. Call 416 923 4526 to book.

+ Hair Artisans – In-person appointments now open. Contact their team to learn more by visiting their website. Contact-free purchases and deliveries of salon products available: Contact info@hairartisans.com

+ Laser Essential – Accepting bookings and appointments for in-clinic. Visit laseressential.ca

+ Manis Cosmetic Consulting – In-clinic appointments open. Virtual care and teleconferencing available. Call 416 522 8286. Cosmetic products are available to be purchased for curbside and contactless delivery. Visit the Manis Cosmetic Consulting online store.

+ Michael Kluthe Salon – In-person appointments now open. To book or more information visit their website. For currently available salon products available for purchase, message desk@michaelkluthe.com.

+ Robert Dunne Salon – Offering retail products for pickup, or local delivery. Fridays for salon pickup. Gift cards are also available for prepayment of your next service. For order or questions email info@robertdunnesalon.com

+ Skin Care by Corina – In-clinic appointments open. Call 416-921-9288 or text 416-526-1337  or message info@skincarebycorina.com to get in touch with them.

+ Salon Lyol – Open for in-person appointments. Request an appointment online by registering for an account.

+ Salon Scavo – Open with regular in-person business hours as listed online. For more information email administrator@salonsacavo.com or call 416-964-1229.

+ Yonge + St. Clair Tanning Spa – In-person appointments open. Call 416 923 2411 to book an appointment.

Specialty

+ CC Pharmacy – Open. Mon – Fri, 10AM – 4PM. Doctor consultations available by phone – email ccpharmacy1351@gmail.com to set up an appointment.

+ Pharmasave – Open Mon – Fri, 8:30AM to 7PM, and Sat from 9AM to 3PM.

Office + Specialty

+ Chestnut Park – Real estate, brokerage. Mon – Fri, 9AM – 5PM.

+ Eggersman. Available for design consultation. Learn more by contacting eggersmanntoronto.ca or by phone at 416-420-9565

+ My Tailor – Open. Mon – Friday, 11AM – 3PM, and Sat from 10AM to 3PM

+  Oxford Learning Rosedale – Online tutoring services for all ages. Contact (647) 492-8273 or email rosedale@oxfordlearning.com

Food + Drink

The following storefronts remain closed, however will be open to take orders.

+ 9 Bars Cafe – Monday – Sunday 11AM to 8PM. Gelato sold on the patio throughout summer, with some patio seating now available. Takeout available. Ritual and Uber eats available. Pick up orders at 416-901-9227.

+ Ambiyan on Yonge – Patio is now open call (416) 792-5656 to reserve spots. 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM weekdays. 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM weekends. Delivery within 4 km radius available for orders over $40.

+ Aroma Espresso Bar – Open Monday to Friday, 8am – 2pm, for take-out only. No cash payment.

+ Barnsteiner’s – Patio is open for dining and happy hour, as well as indoor dining reservations. Open Tues – Thurs 5PM – 8PM. Fri – Sat 430PM-830PM. Accepting orders starting 4PM daily. Open for patio dining, takeout, delivery via DoorDash only, pickup, curbside ordering, and online ordering. Order online here or by phone 4165150551. See the menu here. 

+ Bombay Roti – Pickup and delivery available on their webpage 

+ Brownes Bistro – Patio now open! Patio timeslots available are 430PM – 630PM, 630PM – 830PM, 830PM – 130PM Email: reservations@brownesbistro.com | Takeout and pickup available 4PM – 9PM daily.  Call 416-924-8132 to place your order.

+ BUCA – Pickup and delivery available for 2 St. Clair W. See website for more details.

+ Capoccacia Trattoria – Patio open! Free online pickup and delivery orders can be placed on Capoccacia’s ordering page including wine and Italian fine food pantry items.

+ Greenhouse Juice – The Greenhouse Juice street-level pickup window is open. Visit the Greenhouse Juice delivery page to learn more about delivery zones.

+ Holy Chuck Burgers – Mon-Sat 11AM – 10PM. Sun 12PM-8PM.

+ iQ FOOD – Open for takeout Mon – Fri, 11AM – 4:30PM. Order ahead for pickup on the Ritual app.

+ Kwan Dim Sum – Open for takeout. Available on Uber Eats. Contact (416) 901-6618.

+ La Barista Cafe – Open in-store. 12 St. Clair E, located down the escalators.

+ Loblaws

+ Longo’s

+ Mary Be Kitchen – Offering full meal kits through the Mary Be Kitchen grocery page in addition to takeout and delivery. For more options on ordering options, visit Mary Be Kitchen’s ordering page.

+ McDonald’s

+ Mean Bao – Sun-Mon Closed. Tues – Sat Open 12 PM – 7 PM.

+ Midtown Gastro Hub – 4PM – 10 PM daily. Visit the Midtown Hub website for ordering options, or order from Uber Eats, Skip The Dishes or Doordash.

+ Nove Trattoria – Open for takeout. Call 647 345 5848.

+ Pasta Pronta – Pickup or delivery available, visit their website.

+ Shawarma Q – Open for takeout and delivery. Call (647) 430-7266.

+ Sobey’s

+ Starbucks – 2 St. Clair E.

+ Starbucks – 5 Rosehill Ave.

+ Sunny Morning Breakfast + Lunch – 7AM – 3PM daily, now with indoor dining seating and ongoing local pickup or order through Uber Eats delivery.

+ Sushi Garden  – See website for online orders, or call in at 416-922-9226 between 11AM – 915PM

+ Tim Horton’s 

+ The Hive E-Sports Bar – Open 4PM – midnight 7 Days a week with occasional front door takeout specials. Takeout menu available, and beer and wine to-go menu available. Contact 647-348-6344.

+ Zelden’s Deli and Desserts – Order directly from Zelden’s by calling 647 347 3474 or visit Zelden’s webpage for more delivery options. Pickup between 11AM – 6PM.

This list is updated on an ongoing basis. If you see or own a local business that has not yet been included, or would like to request an update to an existing business listing, you may contact the Yonge + St. Clair BIA directly at info@yongestclair.ca