Familiar Faces: Sunny Gafur of Sunny’s Auto Clinic is a bright spot in the Danforth community

By ERIN HORROCKS-POPE

Sunny Gafur is the man behind the counter (and under the hood) at Sunny’s Auto Clinic on Danforth Avenue, just west of Main Street. In this edition of Familiar Faces, I had the pleasure of visiting Sunny’s shop to experience first-hand what many in the community have already known for years: Sunny really does live up to his name.

Earlier this year, I received an email from a Beach Metro Community News reader and fellow east-end neighbour who simply had to recommend Sunny as a feature. “Sunny is an amazing guy who is really a sunny presence!” she wrote. I was instantly intrigued.

As someone who believes in the power of people to shape a neighbourhood, I couldn’t resist following up. I reached out to Sunny, and unsurprisingly, he welcomed me with the warmth and openness I’d already heard about.

On a sunny afternoon in April, I made my way to the shop and immediately understood the energy my emailer described. The garage door was open, local radio tunes floating out into the street, and inside, Sunny and his apprentice Crissy were hard at work on an SUV, sleeves rolled up and smiles on. Sunny looked up from the car, wiped his hands on his coveralls, and welcomed me like I was an old friend.

It’s that exact energy that’s kept his business thriving since 2009, when a then 25-year-old Sunny opened his own auto clinic at the same location it still sits today.

“I always wanted to have my own business,” he told me. “Somewhere I could set my own standard for service and give customers the experience they deserve.”

Now, exactly 16 years later, Sunny’s shop is one of those local gems that people seem to stumble upon once and then never go anywhere else again.

In the busy seasons, he and Crissy service nearly 200 vehicles a month. And no, he’s not taking on new clients – his loyal customers have had him at capacity for a while now. “I’m blessed to always be so busy,” he said, genuine gratitude in his voice. “I really can’t ask for more.”

Sunny isn’t focused on expansion or franchising; he’s happy right where he is. It’s clear that this little auto shop isn’t just a workplace, but a reflection of his values, his work ethic, and the community he’s helped build with every oil change and tune-up.

Throughout our chat, a couple of longtime customers stopped by at different times. One popped in just to say hi on his way home to make a pizza, pizza dough in hand, chatting with Sunny about when he should get his tires changed.

Later, another dropped in to settle an invoice from a previous visit. When they realized I was from the local paper, both lit up.

“Sunny’s just the best guy,” one told me. “You won’t find anyone more honest or helpful.” The other shared, “I’ve been coming here forever. He treats everyone like family.”

It’s not just about the service, though that’s clearly excellent; it’s the little touches. Bowls of chocolates and candies at the counter. A calendar you can take home and hang on your fridge. That sense of familiarity and care that feels increasingly rare these days.

After re-reading the original email after my visit, I couldn’t help but smile.

“He is always smiling, kind, and very knowledgeable… He is honest and will never oversell repairs… Can’t say enough, check him out!!” It was clear this wasn’t just one customer’s sentiment; it’s the heartbeat of the whole shop.

From the music in the background to the teamwork between Sunny and Crissy, to the steady flow of happy customers – it all felt like the embodiment of what makes our neighbourhood so special. People like Sunny, who show up every day with a smile and a purpose, create something that stretches far beyond the garage.

So thank you, Sunny for your service, your honesty, and for brightening the days of so many in the east end.

And thank you, Linda, for your email. Keep the suggestions coming – I’m always happy to meet another Familiar Face.
Sunny’s Auto Clinic is located at 2521 Danforth Ave.

— Familiar Faces is an occasional column written by Erin Horrocks-Pope, a lifelong east ender and frequent Beach Metro Community News contributor. If you know a Familiar Face you’d like to see featured in this column, you can reach Erin at erin@beachmetro.com.