One of Toronto's most beloved west end coffee shops just opened up a new location. Wallace Espresso is known for its perfectly balanced espresso-based beverages served in a snug, minimalistic environment that is often paired with a grab-and-go vibe.
With existing spots in the Junction, King West and Corso Italia neighbourhoods, the newest Wallace Espresso location at 70a Hounslow Heath Road in Carleton Village marks the sixth shop to open. All locations are still owned, designed, built and operated by the original founder Daniel Wahlen, who you can catch in store serving your favourite cup of coffee.
For this new shop, as well as the location at 140 Westmount Avenue, Wahlen partnered with his fellow coffee connoisseur, Alexis Maturana. The duo chose this new spot due to their familiarity and love for the area and actually initially turned down the opportunity to set up shop here years ago.
After announcing the news of the store's soft-opening the day before on social media, the duo was met with pure excitement from their customers online, shown through the big turnout early the next morning.
Those in the neighbourhood welcome the new shop with open arms, evident as seemingly endless lines for coffee and pastries stretched down the block on their opening day.
The tremendous support for this new location doesn't come as a surprise because, beyond their quality coffee, the staff at Wallace Espresso are well-known and loved by the community for their genuine and friendly service. In addition, the shop and Wahlen himself is also admired for their constant support of other small-owned local businesses in the GTA, evident through sharing some of their favourite spots on the store's social media and their integration of locally made products within their offerings.
Coffee beans are available in two roasts, a medium roast by Social Coffee Co. and a dark roast by Reunion Island Coffee Roasters. At the moment, you can also find fresh baguettes and select pastries such as a crispy apricot pistachio danish from Black Bird Baking Co. for sale, paired with other breakfast treats from the coffee shop's commissary, Wallace Bakes.
Wallace Espresso offers a variety of espresso-based beverages. From cortados to americanos, they've got it all.
In terms of accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences, the coffee shop offers almond, soy and coconut milk alternatives at no extra cost and an oat milk option for 50 cents more.
As a result of the official shop opening at Hounslow Heath Road, hours at all Wallace Espresso locations have temporarily changed to Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Be sure to follow Wallace Espresso on Instagram to be updated when hours will shift back to their regular schedule.
