Toronto-based Impact Kitchen is expanding to two more locations in the city with plans to also break into the New York City market in the near future.
Impact Kitchen was founded in 2015 by Josh Broun, a former personal trainer and nutrition expert, and Frank Toskan, co-founder of MAC Cosmetics. Its mission is to empower people to choose healthier foods that supply the energy and drive they need to take on the rest of their day.
The first location opened October 2015 in the Corktown area of Toronto.
“We’re a nutrition-focused, all-day restaurant and cafe,” said Broun. “We have our food philosophy that we adhere to. We consider ourselves chef-driven and collaborative with a team of nutritionists. That’s the way we’ve built our menu since day one.
“We’ve been fortunate to open up in great communities and over these last nine years we’ve really grown our community across Toronto.”
Currently, five locations are open with two new ones opening up in Toronto in the next couple of months – one in the Yonge and Sherwood area (just north of Eglinton) and one at Bay and Wellington.
Broun said traditionally the Impact Kitchens have been between 2,800 and 4,000 square feet. The next two will be both under 3,000 square feet because of the way the real estate opportunities and the locations presented themselves.
He said the brand looks for a vibrant community when it is setting up shop.
“Whether it’s a lot of boutique gyms in the neighbourhood, whether it’s running or walking, biking trails, we’re kind of surrounded by those in all our locations,” said Broun.
“We’re definitely in a position to continue to grow here in Toronto. Our next big bet will be New York City. We don’t have a lease signed yet, but we’ve got the approval from our investor to bring Impact Kitchen to Manhattan and Brooklyn,” said Broun.
“We’ve got a road map until 2030 of where we want the brand to go. More locations in Toronto and then Manhattan and Brooklyn. I think I can confidently say we’ll be over 15 locations.”
Partners in the business include Brett Toskan and Alex Casale.
The two new Toronto locations will be at 2555 Yonge Street opening in September and 181 Bay Street opening in October.
“With our growth, our commitment to being better, we stick to the high standards of our food philosophy. We’re committing to no seed oils, no gluten and no refined sugar in our menu items. And an investment and unwavering commitment to our hospitality,” explained Broun.
“Just trying to continue to have a level of excellence as we grow. Some brands maybe lose that. It’s a massive focus for us to only get better as we scale the business.”
According to the company’s website, Impact Kitchen was founded on the belief that food has the power to shape our daily lives – that real, wholesome ingredients, prepared simply and with integrity, can provide us with the energy to take on the day with purpose and optimism.
“Josh had always been inspired by Frank’s story of successful entrepreneurship and dedication to impacting the community, and the two built a strong relationship over many years of working together with Josh as Frank’s trainer. During their sessions, they would discuss the gap in the Toronto marketplace for healthy places to eat and drink, and over time, an idea began to brew: what if there was a place that made living a healthier lifestyle easy and accessible?” says the company.
“So they created a place where anyone can be confident that the food they are eating supports the life they want to lead. We work closely with our farmers and suppliers to ensure all our fresh, local, and organic ingredients are of the highest quality. With the support of our team of chefs, nutritionists, and wellness experts, we are dedicated to ensuring each item on our menu has a nutritional purpose (and tastes amazing too). Whether you stop into a location for a coffee or power bowl or are looking for healthy catering, Impact Kitchen strives to become part of your everyday.”
“We are going to make it with high quality ingredients or we aren’t going to make it,” said Frank Toskan.
Impact Kitchen’s mission is to empower our community to eat healthy, nutritionally-dense foods with a focus on quality and sustainability. We know that what you eat matters, and we seek to make an impact by choosing local, ethically-sourced ingredients that will nourish you and help you thrive everyday.
Additional Photos:
Photo Credit to Tisha Riman
- Team Impact @ Impact Midtown, 2555 Yonge Street
2. Team Impact engaging the community at 181 Bay Street on Announcement Day:
3. Team Impact engaging the community at 2555 Yonge Street on Announcement Day
4. Team Impact @ Impact Downtown, 181 Bay Street
Mario could you put me in touch with Impact Kitchens??
Thanks
Arnon