Coming soon: Sweat & Soda

Photo: Dean Seguin

The prime corner real estate at 1091 Queen St. E in Leslieville has been a neighbourhood mystery for some time. The former home of Gelato Pizza (and Ethel even further back), the space has sat empty behind papered windows with only sporadic activity in the building from time to time.

Now, a reworked facade and fresh signage indicates the impending arrival of a place to 'eat drink move' called Sweat & Soda.

Owner Yoona Hong says the new spot will be a quick-serve cafe for healthy breakfast and lunch options along with protein shakes and mocktails (hence the play on scotch and soda). Sweat & Soda will serve vegan, vegetarian and paleo-friendly meals.

"What we are trying to create is a place where people can meet up for runs or cycling and also to connect local fitness professionals to clients," Hong says.

Sweat & Soda plans to provide maps of running and cycling routes, and also a list of all gyms, yoga studios and crossfit centres in the neighbourhood.

"Our goal is to get Leslieville moving," Hong says. "To inspire and motivate because, let's be honest, it's hard and we tend to be lazy."

Sweat & Soda is aiming for a spring opening.