The Tampered Press will pull its last espresso shot before the New Year, and the Trinity-Bellwoods community will miss the team behind it. But it can still grab a cuppa.
Caitlin opened The Tampered Press in March 2010, and her mom became the resident baker. Together they've seen "the kids of regulars go from baby carrier to first steps, to high school," Caitlin said in her announcement on Instagram. Her gratitude to the community beams through the post. Deciding to sell the space was "the most difficult thing I have done in my life."
On the other side of town, Morning Parade Coffee Bar offers a similar hub for the Beach Hill neighbourhood. Elektra and Paul are also passionate about building community and will expand into The Tampered Press's sunny corner at Dundas West and Crawford Street.
"This opportunity came to us through a mutual connection, and having that East-West connection is really meaningful," says Elektra. "We love offering within a residential community and being part of the day-to-day lives of folks."
The North end of Trinity Bellwoods Park is a little quieter, and Elektra knows the strength of this community from her years as a resident. "It makes a lot of sense. We can bring the heart of what we do to the West end where Paul and I first met." Elektra and Paul have a little one named Archie and a fuzzier one named Fozzie.
Morning Parade's relationships with local suppliers like Sam James Coffee Bar and Soul Chocolate will remain at this new location. Still, it's important to Paul and Elektra to respect the community Caitlin and The Tampered Press built. "We are finding ways to keep some neighbourhood favourites," says Elektra.
An identifier for Morning Parade is murals painted by multidisciplinary artist and Parkdale resident Justin Rousseau. Justin is Elektra's cousin, and his art will extend into this new space.
Caitlin and Momma E are at The Tampered Press at 256 Crawford Street, Unit B, through December. You can welcome Elektra and Paul at Morning Parade in 2023, or scope out their Beach Hill location at 1952 Gerrard Street East before then.
