Moss Park Espresso cafe

Question: Would you like to say a few words about yourself and the coffee shop?

Joe:  I personally grew up in the west end but my connection with Moss Park started in 2006 when through a business arrangement I purchased the building on Queen Street East right across from the park. When I retired in 2015 I decided to move into the building and live in the area. A space in the retail area of the building became available and I thought I’d come out of retirement and open a small coffee shop. It’s been two years now and I am rather satisfied with what I’ve done. I think I’ve added a bit of community to the neighbourhood.

 

Question: Often people don’t think of Moss Park as a destination. How has it been for you? Do you have people visiting because they learn about your business online? Or are they more of a local, everyday kind of customer?

Joe: I’d say there’s a mix of people. This stretch of Moss Park… When I say Moss Park, I mean anything that is in the area squared by Queen, Dundas, Jarvis and Ontario Streets. You know, it’s an area with a deep history of people who have been down and out. Sadly, drug use is often involved these days, which I think is a game-changer… especially with the drugs that are here now, the fentanyl, the synthetic opioids. It really has changed things. Unlike alcohol, for example, these new drugs make it very difficult for people to engage in conversations or think about getting better. I think that’s what Moss Park really has to look at if it wants to become a better place to live. We not only need to figure out how to keep these shelters and places that help people but also mitigate the influence of these drugs. They are what bring in the ugliness and sometimes the violence. This one block of Moss Park, where I am, between Jarvis and Sherbourne, and a few other blocks as well… it’s tough. In the summer it can feel and look dirty and ugly. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the street. People come to my coffee shop and the plant shop upstairs purposely, not because they are taking a walk.

 

Question: So you started here during Covid?

Joe: I opened the day the government allowed businesses to open without asking for vaccination certificates and not limiting seating. That was March 1st, 2022.

 

Question: This is a spectacular space. What is the concept?

Joe: Thank you, I am happy with how it turned out. I did most of the design and work myself. It’s the lower level of what was commonly considered a commercial storefront in the city. Usually those storefronts came with a three-story construction. The two upper stories are residential and the main floor would have a 12-foot ceiling. What the owner before me did was to raise the floor of the main retail level. The main floor still has a 10-foot ceiling which is plenty, but it also created a livable lower level. This has been done to a couple of storefronts along the same block which I think is really brilliant. I applied to the city to make sure that it could be used as a public, commercial space and they said yes. So I proceeded to renovate it but took my time because I was living above the store and had the privilege of not having to rush. I am really happy with the result. I know that people notice it and appreciate the space. It’s a wonderful place to come and have a conversation with someone. The sunlight comes through the window, but you also have some privacy from the street. It’s a great space.

 

Question: As we all know, the neighbourhood is rapidly changing, with the construction of a new subway station and condo developments. How do you see the neighbourhood evolve in the next five or so years?

Joe: That’s a good question. What that means is that there will be a lot more people living here. I don’t think that is going to push people who need help out. What I hope is that it will help mitigate a lot of the ugly symptoms that currently affect the area. For instance, perhaps the shelters will have to keep an eye on what happens outside their front doors. It’s hard for people to walk through with their families and children when large groups congregate on the sidewalk and drug dealing is going on. I hope the shelters will continue to help people and make the neighbourhood a safer space at the same time.

 

Question:: Now onto a different and lighter topic. Can you tell us a bit about your famous gelato?

Joe: It so happened that I was visiting Italy for the first time as an adult (I have an Italian background) and saw this gelato course available. So I went back there when I was in my late 60s and took this course on gelato making. I came back and thought I could do it. I know I make a very good gelato because I follow the recipes. I use the best ingredients I can find in Canada. I source organic milk. I get my pastes, such as pistachio and hazelnut from Italy. My gelato would be described in Italy as artisanal. We just use ingredients, not mixes. That’s why it’s so good.

 

Question: They are the best I’ve tried in the city! If someone comes to your coffee shop for the first time, what would you recommend they try?

Joe: In warmer weather, I would love for them to try gelato. I know they would enjoy it. That’s the difference between a bad gelato and a good one. All gelato tastes good on your first spoonful. It’s when you finish it that you realize you feel better or you don’t feel so good. I think with the gelato I serve, people feel better after eating it.