Top bakery to open where old one closed after 50 years in Toronto

A top bakery that already has several locations in Toronto is opening yet another in the city, this time in the space where a legendary old bakery closed down not long ago.

Mabel’s Bakery is well known for its wide range of baked goods, from fresh baked bread to frozen goods and sweet treats. The mini local bakery chain has locations across Toronto, and Mabel’s is known for its brownies, butter tarts, and just about everything else.

Now, the bakery is opening a new location where a legendary old one once stood for half a century. The old resident of the space where Mabel’s is opening a new spot was Riviera Bakery, a traditional Italian bakery that was an absolute staple in the neighbourhood. People in the area were devastated to learn that Riviera would be closing back when it announced it was shutting down, and it’s been highly anticipated to see what will take its place on the busy strip.

That means Mabel’s has some majorly big shoes to fill, and the team behind the bakery knows it. Fortunately, Mabel’s Bakery has been around for an impressive amount of time as well, operating in Toronto for nearly 20 years.

“Hello everyone! After 50 wonderful years in Little Italy, Riviera Bakery is beginning a new chapter, with members of the family retiring and others continuing to focus on their wholesale baking traditions. We at Mabel’s Bakery are incredibly excited – and truly honoured – to be joining this neighbourhood and carrying on the tradition of quality baking in this special space,” reads a heartfelt letter posted in the window of the old Riviera Bakery space signed by Mabel’s Bakery founder Lorraine Hawley.

“Since opening our first store on Roncesvalles Avenue in 2008, community and great tasting food has been at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking forward to bringing some of our favourite Mabel’s treats to Little Italy, while continuing to offer a few classic Riviera favourites as well! We will be working hard on our renovations over the next several weeks and look forward to opening our doors and meeting you all.”

Mabel’s Bakery is of course also hiring front of house staff for the new location, and interested applicants should reach out to the bakery by email.

The note in the window of the old Riviera Bakery that’s soon to become the new Mabel’s Bakery on College Street says that Mabel’s is hoping to open this location some time around early June.