Leslieville's Joy Bistro closed for a facelift

Joy Bistro is about to be upgraded and in more ways than one. After 11 years in business, the brunch staple in the Queen Street East area has shut down for renovations.

Owner Steven Pelton says he wants to change people’s impressions of the place.

"With the neighbourhood changing, there are a lot of people my age, 36 years old, moving into this area," he says. "In short, we want to be Leslieville’s favourite place to hang out."

Pelton says he felt the old space offered more of a "formal dinner" type atmosphere. He is changing that by renovating the main and upper level of the restaurant. On the first floor will be the bar area, which Pelton hopes will draw more people during the week for a casual “catch-up” type drink.

On the second floor will be the expanded 80-seat dining room area. The floors will be reclaimed wood and there will be wooded accents throughout the restaurant.

"We want to really give it a warm and cozy feel," he says.

Joy Bistro is set to reopen on November 11.

(884 Queen St E, 416-465-8855)

 

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