Tertulia brings life back to former bank building with opening of cafe

Photo: Riverside BIA

A call to breathe life back into a former Bank of Montreal building in Riverside has been answered.

Earlier this year, David Kennedy garnered local attention appealing to the community for proposals to convert the Queen East landmark into something special. He found his match in the idea of building a community gathering place through Tertulia, a coffee shop with the ambition to become a local destination.  

“I knew when I purchased this building I wanted to bring something really special to the community,” says Kennedy. “Coffee shops are the heart and soul of our neighbourhoods and it was really important to me to create a space where the community can come together.”

The name, Tertulia, inspired by Spanish influence, is a social gathering where friends come to talk about art, culture and life. Kennedy says these elements represent the philosophy of the shop.

The cafe is offering a premium coffee program and local baked goods as well as organic juices.

Tertulia is located at 711 Queen St. E. The space has been fully renovated, offering a warm, approachable environment that’s open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.