City Cottage Market gains donated building to expand in Birch Cliff

Long-time customers bought the nearby building at 1680 Kingston Rd. and offered it to City Cottage Market so the shop can open a bodega while the original location becomes The Café with expanded seating.

City Cottage Market is expanding after nearby community members bought and donated a building on Kingston Road. The market began in 2021 during pandemic lockdowns with the goal of supporting local food entrepreneurs. Long-time customers purchased 1680 Kingston Rd., the site of the former The Birchcliff Coffee Bar, and asked the owners what they would like to build for the neighbourhood. The owners chose a family friendly bodega as an extension while the original shop shifts to a café-focused space. Key facts: - The benefactors are long-time customers who purchased 1680 Kingston Rd. and remain unnamed in reports. - City Cottage Market’s original location is at 1666 Kingston Rd.; the new building is next door at 1680 Kingston Rd. - The new space will be a family friendly bodega offering ready-to-eat food, locally sourced grocery items, and drinks for on-site enjoyment. - The original shop will evolve into The Café — by City Cottage, with expanded seating and a café-based experience. - About 95 percent of products sold at City Cottage Market are locally sourced from multiple vendors. - Plans for the bodega and adjacent areas include pop-up dinners, farmers’ markets, live music and comedy, outdoor winter markets, and an ice cream shop run with a local vendor. Summary: The donated building lets City Cottage Market expand its operating space and separate a café experience from a bodega-style grocer. The project is described as intended to deepen support for local vendors and create a neighbourhood gathering place. Plans include community events and partnerships, and an opening timeline was not provided in the article.