Toronto-based salad concept Forest Hill Farmhouse is embarking on an expansion after gaining traction with its health-focused, customizable offerings. Founded by Blair Bitove under Bite Brands in 2022, the brand is positioned for growth, with plans to extend its reach across Ontario and introduce its unique salad creations to new markets, including Calgary and Vancouver, as early as next year.
Bitove’s journey with Forest Hill Farmhouse stems from a deeply personal need to find better salad options in Toronto. “I had a really hard time finding salads I like in the city,” Bitove explained. “Many existing options were too heavy, with rice or quinoa bases, but I craved something lighter and freshly made.” Driven by her desire to bring healthier, convenient options to Toronto’s urban landscape, Bitove turned her passion into a thriving business.
Forest Hill Farmhouse has since become a community favourite, offering a menu crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. “A lot of our recipes are inspired by what I would make at home,” Bitove shared. “But making these meals yourself can mean buying an overwhelming amount of ingredients. I realized I wasn’t the only one facing this challenge.”
Bitove’s leadership and hands-on involvement with the brand’s operations have played a key role in its success. “I’ve poured everything into this brand,” she said. “From selecting the freshest ingredients to developing our unique dressings, every detail matters to me.”
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Toronto’s fast-casual dining landscape is filled with competition, but Forest Hill Farmhouse sets itself apart with its commitment to freshness and customization. “We aren’t just another salad bar,” Bitove emphasized. “We offer roasted vegetables like eggplant, garlic-roasted green beans, pickled onions, and proteins cooked fresh in-house daily. Our customers can truly customize their meals with quality ingredients.”
The menu, rooted in the brand’s Forest Hill origins, offers over a dozen signature salads and bowls, as well as a build-your-own option. “Our first core collection of salads is based on street names in Forest Hill,” Bitove noted, adding a local touch that resonates with customers. Recently, the brand introduced wraps to meet the needs of on-the-go customers. “I wanted something I could eat while driving without making a mess,” she said. “It’s all about convenience without sacrificing quality.”
Bitove believes that Forest Hill Farmhouse’s personalized approach is what draws in customers. “We have people telling us they’ve created their own unique salad variations at our bar,” she shared. “It’s become a point of pride for many of our regulars.”
Strategic Expansion Across Ontario and Beyond
Following the success of its flagship location at Yonge Street and Lola Road, Forest Hill Farmhouse has expanded to Leslieville and Parkdale, with a high-traffic Brookfield PATH location further increasing brand visibility. “The Brookfield location really put us on the map,” Bitove said. “It showed us that there’s demand for what we offer, and it validated our plans to grow.”
Next year, the brand plans to open a location in Liberty Village, marking another step in its Ontario expansion. “We’re confident in our brand and ready to bring it to more central locations,” Bitove stated. “We want to become a household name in Toronto.”
Bitove is also setting her sights on Western Canada, with plans to open in Calgary and Vancouver. “Expanding beyond Ontario is a dream come true,” she said. “Calgary and Vancouver are exciting markets that we believe will appreciate what we bring to the table.”
Future Plans: Retail Expansion and New Concepts
Beyond physical locations, Forest Hill Farmhouse is exploring retail opportunities to extend its reach. “We’re working on bringing our salad dressings to retail shelves,” Bitove revealed. “It’s a way for our customers to bring a piece of our brand home with them.”
As the brand grows, Bitove remains mindful of the customer experience. Store sizes and concepts will be tailored to fit each location. “Our current stores average around 1,200 square feet, but it’s location-dependent,” she explained. “In areas like Yorkville, we’re exploring spaces with more seating to encourage a communal dining experience.”
Bitove’s commitment to community and innovation is evident in every aspect of the business. “We’re always listening to our customers,” she said. “Their feedback has shaped our menu and our expansion plans. We want to keep offering options that people love, whether it’s in a grab-and-go format or a sit-down experience.”
Navigating Challenges and Looking Ahead
The road to success hasn’t been without challenges, particularly in a competitive market with rising costs. “We’ve held out on price increases for two years despite inflation,” Bitove noted. “Our focus has always been on delivering value. We want our bowls and salads to remain affordable, around the $20 range, while offering high-quality ingredients.”
Bitove is optimistic about the brand’s future. “We’re just getting started,” she said. “The response from our customers has been overwhelming, and I’m excited to see where we can take this brand. We’re building something special here—something that fills a real need for healthy, delicious meals.”
