Donation of building from community members helps City Cottage Market expand its space and impact in Birch Cliff
By MATTHEW STEPHENS
The year was 2021: COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns crippled the world, regular business operation came to a screeching halt, and despite a looming sense of despair, the Naraine family embraced adversity with open arms and introduced City Cottage Market to Scarborough’s Birch Cliff neighbourhood.
They opened the Kingston Road location with a wholesome desire to support local food entrepreneurs and bolster East Toronto’s economy.
However, what started as a small business venture in a time of uncertainty, quickly garnered significant support from local customers, who, in a remarkable act of generosity, purchased a nearby building in support of the Naraine family’s efforts to assist community-based businesses.
“Recently, long-time customers of ours came together and purchased a building for sale on the same block as our Market. Their goal was simple and rare: preserve the integrity of the block, protect walkability, and ensure the space became something that truly served the neighbourhood – rather than a business that didn’t align with the community,” said Daniel Naraine, co-owner of City Cottage Market which is located at 1666 Kingston Rd.
After acquiring the building at 1680 Kingston Rd. (the site of the former The Birchcliff Coffee Bar), the altruistic supporters (who wish to remain unnamed) visited the Naraine family and asked, “Is there something you would want to build here – if it stayed true to the neighbourhood and your values?”
Their answer was simple – a bodega. One that would serve the community as a family friendly bar and grocery store with ready to eat food options, locally sourced grocery products, and drinks that could be enjoyed on-site.
“The bodega will be a family friendly bar and grocer,” said Naraine. “A place to stop in, stay a while, and feel connected to where you live.”
The new bodega will serve as an extension of the City Cottage Market and allow the original shop to focus on providing a café-based experience with expanded seating, and a “continued focus on being a comfortable, everyday space” for the community.
“Our original location will remain open and evolve into The Café – by City Cottage, with expanded seating,” said Naraine.
With the increased operating space provided by the local supporters, Naraine said he plans to use the bodega to introduce a slew of new City Cottage Market features, including live performances, farmers’ markets, and an ice cream shop, which will be run in partnership by a local vendor.
“Beyond day-to-day service, the indoor and outdoor areas will host pop-up dinners with local chefs, farmers’ markets, outdoor winter markets, stand-up comedy, live music, and other community-led events,” said Naraine. “The goal is for it to be a true gathering place – something the neighbourhood can be proud of, and a landmark for the east end.”
Of the products sold at City Cottage Market, 95 per cent are locally sourced across multiple vendors. These include chef prepared meals, wine and cocktails, pantry items, cheese and charcuterie, dairy, snacks, and a wide variety of coffee and tea options.
And now, with the opening of City Cottage Market’s bodega, Naraine hopes to expand on his overarching mission to champion local business owners and vendors.
“More than anything, this project has been a reminder of how powerful it is when people believe in each other and choose to invest locally with care,” said Naraine. “Seeing members of the community step up to better their own neighbourhood – thoughtfully and intentionally – has been incredibly meaningful to us.”
For more information about City Cottage Market, head to their website at https://www.citycottagemarket.ca/
