An Ontario soul food restaurant beloved for its next-level cornbread is finally opening a location in Toronto, and it’s coming very soon.
There was heartbreak the city over when Saving Grace, a Dundas West brunch staple that had been serving up the likes of French toast and eggs Benedict for 25 years, suddenly announced it would be closing down permanently in February of 2025.
The restaurant’s owner, Monica, said she was “overjoyed” to be closing the restaurant down, but that didn’t do much to quell the sadness felt by scores of the restaurant’s fans at the loss of a neighbourhood staple.
Where could they look for a new local go-to? Moreover, what would take Saving Grace’s place? Hopefully not another vape shop.
At long last, the answers to both of those questions have finally been answered, and it’s good news; it’s mercifully not a vape shop, and it’s not a new Tim Hortons location either.
Instead, the new kid in town will be The Hive by Honey Soul Food, a new concept from a popular Mississauga-based business that specializes in classic Southern American soul food.
Owners Chanée and Jason tell us that they’re thrilled to be expanding Honey Soul Food’s footprint in Ontario with their first downtown Toronto location, but they add, “moreso, we’re so excited to become a part of the Trinity Bellwoods Community.”
A Mississauga staple since 2021, Honey Soul Food has gained a reputation among its community for serving some of the best cornbread in the city — a title they just might be able to snatch upon their Toronto debut, too.
Beyond the cornbread, though, they boast a menu replete with classic Southern comfort food staples served with a modern flair. Expect “big back” sandwiches like their Cajun-battered jack’d up chicken sandwich and jumbo shrimp po boy, on top of offerings like fried chicken, wings, and fried shrimp.
The new Toronto location will have a distinct edge to it, though, Chanée and Jason tell us.
“Our menu will be all the classics people love at Honey served with a new look,” they say, “and definitely our cornbread will be taking on some new forms!”
What, exactly, those “new forms” will look like remains to be seen, but you won’t have to wait too long to find out.
While the exact opening date of The Hive by Honey Soul Food is still up in the air while the team puts finishing touches on the concept, Chanée and Jason say that it should be ready around mid-to-late August, officially making its bid for the newest go-to spot on Dundas West.
In the meantime, you can get a taste of the flavours Honey Soul Food is bringing to Toronto by visiting their Mississauga location at 5977 Dixie Rd. before the new one opens at 907 Dundas St. W. in Toronto.
