The Toronto Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (June 16)

Hey, Toronto, what’s up?! Your group chat is popping off, and we’re here to keep the good times going. Welcome to another week of the Toronto Group Chat. This is your weekly rundown of the city’s biggest and hottest updates. Here, you’ll find all the stuff you actually want to share in your group chat. Every week, we’re dishing out five must-know highlights of what’s going on in the city or stories you need to know about.

Maybe people are already talking about it, or maybe you’ll start the conversation? Let your friends know.

Check out what’s new in Toronto. Let’s get into it.

Did you hear, Toronto?

Free ice cream AND mascara

We love pop-ups in Toronto – especially when it comes to free stuff. MERIT is partnering up with RuRu Baked to celebrate the launch of its newest product, Clean Volume. And yes, you can get a free sample of both on June 20 and 21 from noon to 4 p.m.

The RuRu Baked ice cream truck will be parked up at 944 Queen St. W. in the Prime Seafood Palace courtyard. Get your free scoops and samples of Clean Volume on-site.

Ooh and you’ll get to try the exclusive MERIT flavour, The Morning Person, too.

Canadian men’s national team plays this week – where to watch

Toronto was LIT when Canada played its first FIFA World Cup game of the tournament, so expect the second one to be just as exciting. Though they won’t be playing in Toronto this time around, there are plenty of places across the city where you can show your support and cheer them on.

I actually put together a list of where to watch the games in Toronto. But we’re sure there are plenty more places hosting watch parties. But this is a good start.

Zellers diner???

I still have vivid memories of when I would go to Zellers as a kid with my mom, and I’d beg to have lunch at its retro diner. It’s been years, but I’ll finally get the chance to enjoy another Zellers diner meal.

Ahead of its reopening (technically?), this time at 80 Orfus Rd., Zellers is bringing a few nostalgic surprises. On June 18, the brand is bringing back its eats with Zellers Diner on Wheels, the return of kiddie rides, and a 25-foot inflatable Zeddy Bear. They’ll be serving up faves like the Big Z Burger, Hot Gravy Chicken Sandwich, chicken fingers and grilled cheese.

But you’ll have to get there sooner than later – it’s only available at the Toronto location for the store’s first four days.

Book lovers are gonna love this new themed bar

Your book club experience is about to turn up a notch. Toronto’s getting a bar that’s dedicated to elevating your reading experience, putting cocktail sippers in a space surrounded by books. Book Bar is hosting a grand opening celebration on June 27 and 28, 2026, welcoming all to enjoy a book in hand and a delicious, curated drink in the other.

The new spot will also introduce a conversation series where it will bring in authors, speakers, and cultural voices for evenings of dialogue and shared ideas. You can stay up to date on its opening plans via IG.

New menu at Honey Chinese? Count us in

If you’ve been avoiding the King Street/Portland Street intersection on Friday nights, this might change your mind. Honey Chinese Toronto has changed its menu, a new culinary direction, you might say – led by Executive Chef Lee.

“Inspired by his travels throughout Asia and extensive experience across regional cuisines, the menu explores the flavours, traditions, and stories that connect cultures across the continent while honouring the restaurant’s roots,” shares the restaurant. Think bold raw dishes and destination-inspired noodles to signature favourites reimagined through a contemporary lens.

Time to book a reso!

And that’s all for now, Toronto. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered for next week. See you then!

Recent posts:
Canada’s oldest general store is found in this small Ontario village
One of the largest provincial parks in Ontario has a natural water slide

Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

Read articles