Hollandaise Diner, the east end's cozy neighbourhood brunch gem, has sadly announced that they will be closing their doors for good come October after five wonderful years in business.
The diner, situated on Danforth just east of Woodbine, is known for its breakfast staples made with high-quality ingredients, a home-cooked flair and a relaxed, inclusive space. Owners Josh and Marisa wanted to create a warm and inviting space, intending to support local businesses while bringing neighbourhood folks and Toronto brunch-lovers delicious, thoughtfully prepared food. They have consistently focused on sourcing local ingredients, from bread to proteins and seafood, and hiring within their community whenever possible. Since they opened a few years back, Hollandaise has always emphasized inclusion at every level, from gender-neutral washrooms to their open welcoming of people from all races, sexual orientations, religious backgrounds, abilities and ages. Hollandaise has always taken a multi-faceted approach to their small business in striving to feed the community while making a difference, so it is with a heavy heart that they announced their closure this coming fall.
Marisa Tran, co-owner of the diner, posted a heartfelt video on the restaurant's Instagram page to announce why they would not continue operating after their lease ends in October of 2020. Like many other businesses across the city, COVID-19 caused financial strain for the 24-seat diner, leaving them with what they feel is the inability to continue while providing "the same quality and care we pride ourselves on". Tran expressed endless gratitude to their community, who have supported the diner from day one and have continued to help out and show their love for the restaurant through tough times brought on by the pandemic.
The good news is Hollandaise will be continuing to serve their loyal friends and fans delicious takeout brunch every Friday to Monday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., until October. Josh and Marisa hope to serve a few last dine-in customers, but with so much uncertainty around safety, the restaurant is sticking with takeout for the time being.
The menu includes breakfast classics, an extensive selection of rich, well-executed eggs benedicts, breakfast poutines (with plenty of meat and cheese toppings to choose from), loaded sandwiches, a few sweet dishes and Fairtrade coffee. Be sure to pick up a few of their delectable brunch options on weekends for the next few months to support this wonderful Danforth community space. Hollandaise, you will be greatly missed!
