Downtown Grocery Store List (current + proposed)

[christiesplits]

Via Twitter, it appears that Kai Wei Supermarket on Spadina has been closed by Toronto Public Health.

 

[GatorEG]

That's a shame, it's my go to grocery store

Spoiler: 8 infractions, incluing two crucial ones, according to DineSafe.

Closed Notice for KAI WEI SUPERMARKET, 253 Spadina Ave issued on February 19, 2026, due to 8 infraction(s) below:

Current Infraction Details​

2 Crucial Infraction(s)​

• Fail to ensure food handler in food premise washes hands as necessary to prevent contamination of food - Sec. 33(1)(e)
  Action: Notice to Comply
• Food premise maintained in manner adversely affecting sanitary operation - Sec. 7(1)(a)(ii)
  Action: Summons and Health Hazard Order

2 Significant Infraction(s)​

• FAIL TO MAINTAIN HANDWASHING STATIONS (LIQUID SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS) - SEC. 7(3)(C)
  Action: Notice to Comply
• Fail to protect against harbouring of pests - Sec. 13(1)
  Action: Notice to Comply

4 Minor Infraction(s)​

• FAIL TO ENSURE EQUIPMENT SURFACE SANITIZED AS NECESSARY - SEC. 22
  Action: Notice to Comply
• Fail to protect against entry of pests - Sec. 13(1)
  Action: Notice to Comply
• FOOD PREMISE NOT MAINTAINED WITH CLEAN WALLS IN FOOD-HANDLING ROOM - SEC. 7(1)(G)
  Action: Notice to Comply
• FOOD PREMISE NOT MAINTAINED WITH CLEAN FLOORS IN FOOD-HANDLING ROOM - SEC. 7(1)(G)
  Action: Notice to Comply

DineSafe

www.toronto.ca

 

[Mihairokov]

The sign on the door of Kai Wai said "Renovation", but it was next to the health infraction notice, so...

Generally more of a Hua Sheng guy than Kai Wei, but they're both staples of the community and continue on despite T&T on College & BestCo on Peter moving in.

 

[RGB_11]

The sign on the door of Kai Wai said "Renovation", but it was next to the health infraction notice, so...

Generally more of a Hua Sheng guy than Kai Wei, but they're both staples of the community and continue on despite T&T on College & BestCo on Peter moving in.

They have the right to renovate where necessary. (as a closed business) A further health inspection will decide their fate (for a possible future opening-green or yellow sign...)

 

[longfortheoldview]

Is Bestco still supposed to open at Bloor & Bathurst?

 

[bedoozled]

When I was at the new T&T on Edward Street this weekend I learned that as of next week they're extending their hours till 11pm daily (currently 10pm). I love grocery shopping at night so it's heartening to see this!

 

[RGB_11]

Is Bestco still supposed to open at Bloor & Bathurst?

Supposed to, yes. Will open? That is another question. The Bestco flag is still hung up just outside, so hopefully the plan is still going ahead...(?)

 

[Northern Light]

News from @sunnyraytoronto over in the North York Centre thread....... that No Frills has take up a lease on the former Whole Foods space at Yonge/Sheppard

Not clear if they are taking the whole space or simply a portion thereof.

 

[RGB_11]

News from @sunnyraytoronto over in the North York Centre thread....... that No Frills has take up a lease on the former Whole Foods space at Yonge/Sheppard

Not clear if they are taking the whole space or simply a portion thereof.

Interesting that they would rather tackle the Basics across the street head on rather than try to tackle the Longos as a CityMarket store.

 

[sunnyraytoronto]

Interesting that they would rather tackle the Basics across the street head on rather than try to tackle the Longos as a CityMarket store.

In October 2025, Loblaws closed their underperforming EmpressWalk location to be converted to T&T (owned by Loblaws but operated separately; Loblaws is basically a silent money partner to T&T),... Loblaws opening a NoFrills 1km away at Yonge & Sheppard would help preserve Loblaw's local market share.