As restaurateurs and patrons try to take advantage of the final weeks of summer, parking lot turned patios have been all the craze lately.
The CafeTO program, a provision that temporarily allows eateries to expand licensed outdoor spaces and patios onto public streets, sidewalks and parking lots, is a lifeline from the city given to restaurants and bars to help them recover from the devastating impact of the pandemic.
The latest parking lot patio popped up in Toronto's east end at the corner of Gerrard Street and Jones Avenue. Gerrard East Market (GEM), is a joint effort between local restaurants Poor Romeo, Vatican Gift Shop and Dive Shop -- formerly known as Hotel Delilah, as well as Two Cats Cannabis Co. and PYMBO Investments, who owns the parking lot and the adjacent strip mall.
Burger and fries from Poor Romeo.
The beach-themed beer garden boasts large picnic tables with partitions to ensure physical distancing between diners. Aperol branded Muskoka chairs and umbrellas, string lights, a massive projector screening sports games and the best part -- 22 tonnes of sand for extra beachy vibes.
"Many of the surrounding businesses have a uniquely personal relationship with one another, long-standing friendships, similar industries, business partners, etc. We're one big family out here. The pandemic has hit everyone hard and the whole community is stronger than the sum of its parts," says Currie.
The beer garden also features menu items from other food vendors including 241 Pizza, Com Tam Pho, Pinkerton's, La Cubana, Hand Pulled Noodles, Hype Food and Yard Sale, with new vendors coming soon.
To ensure easy ordering directly from local restaurants and contactless payment, GEM vendors, have teamed up with ordering platform Ambassador, a Toronto based start-up. Orders can be placed using QR codes on the table and the restaurant will deliver your food and drinks to your table.
The Gerrard East Market is open Thursday and Friday evenings and all day on weekends.
