A&W, Freshii and Circle K to be the first tenants at 875 Queen East

Photo: Google

For those hoping for some new and unique retailers to find a home in the new condominium development at 875 Queen St. East, well … keep hoping. 

Signage has been installed on three of the five ground-floor units at the nearly completed building — located on Queen Street between Logan Ave. and Booth Ave. — announcing none other than A&W, Freshii and Circle K as three new tenants set to open next year.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with these establishments, but many in the area had hoped that the building would keep with the tone of the surrounding community and focus on independent and local retail, similar to the building’s neighbour to the east, “The Logan Residences.” 

 The addition of A&W and Circle K join fairly recent expansions of both chains across the city, with sister properties only a couple blocks away at Broadview and Gerrard (for A&W) and Lakeshore and Carlaw (for Circle K).

The addition of Freshii will be the first in the neighborhood and, while clearly in line with recent trends towards healthy eating, is sure to compete with Nutbar, the brand-new independent cafe a block east.

Not all additions by 875 Queen St. East, however, have been negative.  When announced, the building’s developer made significant positive headlines for incorporating a new home for the Red Door Family Shelter, a community organization that provides emergency housing for low-income families. 

The new 94-bed shelter will occupy 20,000 square feet of the seven-storey development. In addition, the building has also recently — and thankfully — added much needed public parking to the area, with a 24 hour underground parking garage.  

There are still two units left for lease. While recent trends suggest a request for premium rent, here’s hoping that landlord gives a chance to new and local businesses.