Toronto-based healthy eatery, Impact Kitchen, has opened their doors on Atlantic Avenue, marking the company’s fifth outpost of the ever-growing brand.
Founded in 2015, Impact is the brainchild of former personal trainer and nutrition expert Josh Broun and MAC Cosmetics co-founder Frank Toskan.
Broun was Toskan’s personal trainer and says, “The idea of Impact arose during our personal training sessions when we would talk about what food was missing in Toronto, and what we would want in a concept that served healthier options, and it just kept on growing from there.”
The concept had endless possibilities. At first, they wanted to build a brand that would focus on bowls with high-quality protein, but in the many brainstorming sessions, they realized that smoothies, bone broth, cold pressed juices, baked goods and so much more could be thrown into the mix.
“Neither one of us had any restaurant experience, and many who approached our idea thought we were doing way too much. But I remember Frank saying that we had to do what we thought was right, otherwise we’d regret listening to everyone’s else’s opinions.”
By sticking to their guts, Impact Kitchen has grown into becoming a strongly recognized healthy-eating hotspot in the city. With so many Torontonians factoring in health and wellness into their day to day lives, it was crucial to Broun and Toskan that the concept would appeal to everybody.
As two strong community builders, Broun and Toskan aim to contribute to each neighbourhood where they set up shop. At the Queens Quay location for example, Broun has been offering a free weekly workout by the water, and is now focused on collaborating with other like-minded businesses in Liberty Village. He has made it his mission to be present in the new space, which is the best way for him to meet the locals, and build relationships with other business owners in the area.
In all the Impact spaces, they have added touches of lifestyle as decor to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Liberty location is decked out with mounted bikes on the wall, rock climbing holds (supplied by Joe Rocket Canada), and keeps with the open concept kitchen. They have even posted their inspirational food philosophy on the wall, which has set the tone for a big part of the company’s culture.
Being located in a corner unit has also given them an opportunity to offer plenty of patio seating, which will remain available as long as the weather co-operates.
The menu at Impact Kitchen is expansive with plenty of healthy options to choose from. Broun has always gravitated towards the power bowls, and recommends giving the Zesty Mexican a try. He personally likes to add steak to it, as the tender meat brilliantly compliments the black bean mole, roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, cashew sour cream and cilantro jalapeño dressing.
The smoothies are also immensely popular with a wide range of options to choose from. The Restore Smoothie for instance, is made with blueberries, raspberries, banana, coconut flakes, almond butter, almond milk and filtered water. You can even choose to add-on some whey protein, mct oil, collagen or glutamine for an extra boost of powered-up goodness.
With the entire restaurant being gluten-free, you’ll also want to get your hands on one of their irresistible baked goods. They offer staples like Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies and Banana Bread, but the bars and paleo treats are jam packed with nutrients like seeds, nuts, oats, dates, and other delicious and healthy ingredients.
Broun also loves the Chicken Bone Broth, especially when the weather starts getting a little cooler. Bone Broth is rich in minerals that build and strengthen your bones, and contains vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
If brunch is your thing, check them out on weekends where they will be serving up Impact toasts, along with other healthy classics like a Superfood Benny, Huevos Rancheros and the indulgent, fan-favourite Paleo Waffles until 3 p.m.
Impact is also celebrating the launch of their new ordering app, which has exceeded their expectations. It's perfect for ordering ahead and checking out the full menu, but what’s really exciting... is the addition of their coffee subscription.
For less than $20 a month, you can have access to unlimited Americanos or drip coffees at any of their locations, now proudly serving beans from Pilot Coffee Roasters. As one of the cities best coffee suppliers, Broun is thrilled to have them on board as a partner, and is looking forward to the expansion of their coffee program. The subscription can be purchased month by month, or as a three month pack for less than $50, and is available either in store or directly on the app.
Broun and Toskan have many plans for the future, including the launch of a ghost kitchen and more locations opening up both in and out of Toronto.
The Liberty Village Impact Kitchen is located at 99 Atlantic Avenue and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Be sure to check out their website where you can read up on their food philosophy and mission statement, as well as take a peak at their full menu. You can also follow them on Instagram to keep up with their exciting new ventures and openings.
