Would you open up a storefront in Regent Park?

[stryker]

Specifically around the Dundas and Parliament area. Like a boutique coffee shop or something akin to that.

A friend is thinking of doing this. I don't know much about the area other than it still looks bad but appears to be on the up.

He's trying to figure out if paying way more in rent for Danforth, WQW, Parkdale etc.. would be worth it.

If you have any knowledge of the area your input would be super valuable.

Thanks!
stew

 

[Lojack]

Risk versus reward. Hopefully your friend has done a market survey of the area.. yes lots of new condo's but the area still has problems.

 

[alexd]

Just look at what they sell in FRESHCO at Dundas & Parliament and for how much to get an idea what people buy in the area....

 

[wickedken]

that area is not gentrifying at the same rate as neighbourhoods further south.

 

[The Truth]

use Google Maps to figure out where in the city is lacking a coffee shop and decide if its worth it

 

[Mondieu]

My friend has a small business in the area. Opened just before PanAm. Rough go, to start but now he's making out like a phat rat.

 

[acheron]

One of TRIBE's favourite photographers (thom100) opened a photo print shop just east of that intersection years ago. I went to visit him once to pick up a print. Had my (then) six year-old son with me. We were treated to the sight of a fellow honking on a crack pipe in the doorway adjacent as we left the store - walked through the cloud on the way to the car. Truly a neighbourhood that is actively resisting gentrification. I mean, we live in Parkdale and we don't see that. I've seen plenty of people ON crack but never actually smoking it out in the open, brazenly.

Oh and after thom100 moved to Vancouver, his business partner moved the shop to College St west.

 

[djfear]

Don't open anything at Queen & Sherbourne and you're good. I think that intersection is way worse than anything around Dundas & Parliament, which is really just full of families.

 

[rave jedi]

Eating Indian samosas are one of my favorite snacks. I was absolutely delighted to learn they just opened up another Sultan of Samosas franchise in Regent Park. It's just north of Dundas off Parliament (1 Oak Street, Toronto, M5A 0A1 - Tel: 416 933 9330)

Sultan of Samosas | Store Locations & Hours

 

[Lojack]

I'd add Shuter and Parliament to the list of intersections to avoid. Dundas and Parliament does seem better in comparison.

 

[wickedken]

Don't open anything at Queen & Sherbourne and you're good. I think that intersection is way worse than anything around Dundas & Parliament, which is really just full of families.

I'm wary of waiting for a streetcar on that corner.

 

[stryker]

so Parliament was a bust.

Any thoughts on Danforth Village? The Danforth and Woodbine areas seems to be up and coming. The West End has got the vibe and the people but the rent is priced accordingly and it's a pain in the ass to get to from the East end of the city.

 

[alexd]

so Parliament was a bust.

Any thoughts on Danforth Village? The Danforth and Woodbine areas seems to be up and coming. The West End has got the vibe and the people but the rent is priced accordingly and it's a pain in the ass to get to from the East end of the city.

What kind of place are you wanting to open?