A new food hub is "officially" open for business in Old East Village.
The London Food Incubator at 630 Dundas St. held its grand opening on Saturday. The newly renovated space is home to Fire Roasted Coffee Company, the Old East Village Grocer, Meals on Wheels east end distribution depot, and roughly half a dozen other businesses.
"It's incredibly unique. Not only in the variety of businesses that are in this setting but the degree of collaboration," says Vicki Mayer, executive director of ATN Access, which established the Village Grocer. "We are looking for ways to not only grow our businesses, serve our community but how we can work together and capitalize on the energy and the synergy in Old East."
Unlike other grocery stores, the Village Grocer is staffed by people with disabilities. Those employed at the store will be able to gain work experience and strengthen their skill sets in order to find other jobs.
This is the neighbourhood's first local grocer in over a decade.
"We are already getting great vibes from our neighbours and other businesses in terms of meeting an individual need by providing affordable food seven days a week," says Mayer.
The food incubator was created by Dave Cook, the owner of Fire Roasted Coffee.
Mayer says she hopes the facility will help the rest of London see Old East in a positive light.
"It's an incredibly diverse neighbourhood, which is incredibly exciting and that's the message we want people to hear," says Mayer. "When they come here, wander through the stores, and meet our staff and regular clients I think it will change the nature in which people look at Old East Village."
