Canadian restaurant chain Cactus Club Cafe is set to open its third Toronto location at the Yonge Sheppard Centre in North York on August 20.
The new establishment, spanning over 14,000 square feet, will accommodate more than 350 diners, offering a diverse menu that caters to lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night crowds. This expansion marks Cactus Club Cafe’s continued growth in Ontario and its commitment to serving the Greater Toronto Area.
Corina Phu, Regional Manager for Cactus Club Cafe, expressed enthusiasm about the new location: “We’re proud to unveil this eagerly awaited restaurant and bring our fresh menu and unique Cactus vibe to North York. This opening represents our continued expansion in Ontario, with plans for more locations on the horizon.”
The Yonge Sheppard Centre location will feature three distinct dining areas: a lounge designed to become a North York hotspot, a warm and inviting dining room ideal for various group sizes, and an enclosed all-season patio. Each space has been thoughtfully designed to provide a unique atmosphere while maintaining the signature Cactus Club Cafe experience.
Culinary offerings at the new location will be overseen by Regional Chef Paul Woodham and Red Seal Chef Jared Cachero, ensuring the high standards of quality and consistency that Cactus Club Cafe is known for. The menu will include new items such as Thai Red Curry, Green Goddess Salad, and London Fog Crème Brûlée, alongside an extensive selection of beverages, including custom cocktails and a sommelier-selected wine list.
In line with the company’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, the Yonge Sheppard kitchen will partner with organizations like the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and Ocean Wise™ to promote improvements across the food supply chain and support Canadian farmers.
The restaurant’s interior will feature standout art pieces, including a two-level mural by Toronto artist Daniel Mazzone, Andy Warhol prints, and neon-lit works by Miami artist Rubem Robierb, adding to the vibrant and stylish ambiance.
As part of its community engagement efforts, Cactus Club Cafe will be raising donations during its training dry runs, with all proceeds going to North York Community House, an organization that assists newcomers to Toronto in settling and integrating into their community.
The new Cactus Club Cafe at Yonge Sheppard Centre will be open seven days a week, offering daily Happy Hour specials and half-priced bottles of wine every Tuesday. Its location provides easy access via public transit and secure underground parking for those driving.
Cactus Club Cafe, founded in 1988 in North Vancouver has evolved from a single restaurant to a prominent chain of premium casual dining establishments across Canada. The brainchild of former Earls waiters Richard Jaffray and Scott Morison, Cactus Club Cafe emerged from humble beginnings, with the founders selling their first venture, “Café Cucamongas,” to fund their new concept.
The company’s journey has been marked by strategic expansion and culinary innovation. By 1998, just a decade after its inception, Cactus Club Cafe had already established 10 locations across British Columbia and Alberta, demonstrating its appeal and success in Western Canada. The chain’s growth continued steadily, reaching 19 locations by 2008.
Today, Cactus Club Cafe boasts over 30 locations across Canada, with a presence in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. The company’s expansion into Eastern Canada, including its growing footprint in Toronto, represents a new chapter in its national growth strategy.
In February 2022, a significant change in ownership occurred when the Fuller family acquired full control of Cactus Club Cafe from Richard Jaffray.
They’ve come a long way. I have fond memories of the one on West 10th that we used to call the “cow palace”.