Mandy’s, which specializes in gourmet salads, is opening its fifth Toronto location in a beloved neighbourhood, The Distillery Historic District, on May 1.
After more than two decades building one of Canada’s most loved fast-casual salad brands, Mandy’s Salads is bringing its signature pink-hued world and famous salads to a neighbourhood that’s been waiting for it.
It will be their 15th location in total.
For sisters Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe it marks another exciting milestone in its national expansion.
What began in 2004 as a folding table tucked inside a Montreal boutique has grown into a household name across Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, with Vancouver next on the horizon in Kitsilano and Coal Harbour.
Located at 359 Front St E in the District, the 1,900-square-foot space will offer 30 seats indoors, along with an additional 15-seat patio.
The space also features custom-designed wallpaper created specifically for this location, a curated mix of gorgeous antique pieces, and even restored city lamp posts brought indoors, adding to the charm and character of the restaurant. All of this comes to life under 30-foot high ceilings that make the space feel both grand and inviting.
The Distillery District space brings together signature Mandy’s design with new creative firsts. For the first time, the team has customized its own lighting in collaboration with Stray Dog Designs, paired with a bold Tom Dixon fixture that anchors the room.
Known for richly layered interiors, Mandy’s takes it even further here. Adorning the walls with antique and vintage finds, and introducing a brand-new gallery wall of paintings for the first time, alongside its iconic family wall.
The opening follows closely behind the brand’s spring menu launch on April 30, bringing a fresh wave of seasonal flavours to pair with the new space.
“We chose the Distillery because it already has a natural energy, so we didn’t need to make anything up. It’s got a historic essence to it, and it’s a great cross section of locals and tourists. Even when you’re driving on any highway, you’ll see the historic sign—Toronto Historic Distillery District—and we love that feel,” said Mandy Wolfe.
“In Montreal, we have a great location in Old Montreal with cobblestone streets, so there’s something that resonates with our brand very much. There’s historic architecture and character, but we’re in this brand-new building, which is a lovely balance between new and old. We love the experiential aspect of opening in a new neighborhood or maybe an up-and-coming, more gentrified area. That’s always something we love to do—be a community hotspot for anyone that’s living there and moving around there. I think they’re also developing the waterfront around there quite a bit, so that’s lovely.”
Mandy said she doesn’t think the sisters ever fully accepted that the business grew to the level it is today.
“It’s a constant state of awe and appreciation and gratitude—just sort of pinch-me moments. I hope we don’t ever lose that,” she said.
Mandy said the brand is securing a third location in Yaletown in Vancouver and is looking at the Calgary market as well.
“With our team, which is incredible—and we keep adding more superstars to help us grow our vision—we love being a Canadian brand, and we hope to expand from coast to coast. But we also love to go south of the border to warmer climates. We find our menu is very harmonious with warm weather, so somewhere like southern Florida is something that we’re actively working toward as well. In terms of a total number, we’re already pretty much close to 20 now if you include Vancouver, so I think we could go up to 40 if you include expansion into the States,” she said.
For the brand itself, it’s been pretty much the same since its initial launch.
“We really wanted to make healthy, delicious eating fun and somewhat glamorous, which you can see through the decor and design when you come in. It’s not a cafeteria or a diet spot. We’re trying to bring fun and whimsy back into healthy eating and eating whole foods that are sustainably sourced and are fun to look at before you even dig into them. Getting really creative with the menu, with inspiration from all over the world—different spices and flavour profiles—and really something for everybody. We’re not vegan, we’re not full protein—we cover the spectrum of all different eating styles. And that’s never changed.”
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