Sharing a name with the film franchise's Liquor Donuts, the space is set to open in January 2019 at 241 August Ave. in Kensington Market.
Described as a "music-themed donut shop that serves craft beer inspired by the fictitious venue in the 2014 cult classic," the venue is a collaborative effort between Universal Music Canada and the arts collective Monda Forma. It's independently owned by WolfCop producer J. Joly and various partners.
The space will also feature permanent multi-use gallery space in the basement, complete with a studio/recording space and record pressing capabilities.
Capacity for the venue was initially estimated at 621 people based on square footage of the property, though a rep for Monda Forma has since clarified that they will "work with the Toronto Fire Department inspector to arrive at a safe number."
Monda Forma is behind the current pop-up Fairland Funhouse occupying the Kensington Market space, which has been teasing its upcoming transformation with "doughy treats."
Not all Torontonians are stoked on the arrival of Liquor Donuts, though. Some are lamenting the loss of a place to buy affordable groceries, while others are tired of bars moving into a largely residential area. Others still just don't see the appeal of WolfCop.
See some of the reaction from Twitter below.
This used to be an affordable grocery store. pic.twitter.com/pERN2Zki3e
— Anna Fitzpatrick (@bananafitz) July 20, 2018
this is unreal
— Sarah Hagi (@geekylonglegs) July 20, 2018
what the HELL is a music themed donut shop?????? can't wait for the narcity/blogto coverage on toronto's hottest new insta date spot
— Sarah Hagi (@geekylonglegs) July 20, 2018
Yes, it is.
— Jonathan Goldsbie (@goldsbie) July 20, 2018
Also...what is Wolf Cop and why is there more than one of it? pic.twitter.com/o1ev52pkrb
— Karon Liu (@karonliu) July 20, 2018
what is a wolfcop
— MH (@meagcity) July 20, 2018
But if you're one of these radical activist types who believes "the immersive art maze is a trojan horse" for a bar/club in Kensington Market, you can object to the liquor license here. https://t.co/TdqsD7vmtH pic.twitter.com/VoA3Nzmvq9
— Corey Mintz (@coreymintz) July 20, 2018
let's chat it out over some liquor donuts with 620 other people
— Solomon Israel (@sol_israel) July 20, 2018
I live in Kensington market and I'm begging you DON'T COME HERE. WE DON'T WANT YOU. NO ONE IN THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD WANTS YOU, AND WE WILL FIGHT YOU.
— Yuula Benivuula (@YuulaBenivuula) July 19, 2018
Read the full statement from Monda Forma business director Jonah Brotman about the upcoming project below [via BlogTO].
241 Augusta Avenue will eventually transform into Liquor Donuts, a music-themed donut shop that serves craft beer inspired by the fictitious venue in the 2014 cult classic Wolf Cop and recently released sequel Another Wolfcop. Scheduled to launch in its final form in January 2019, the venture will feature a permanent multi-use gallery space, record pressing and studio/production space in the basement. The venture is independently owned by Canadian film producer J. Joly and with partners that include Chef Daniel Janetos.
When the Toronto-based collective of artists behind Fairland Funhouse were looking for a venue with character and a sense of community to house their dream for an art maze by local artists, the 1950s grocery store in Kensington market seemed like a natural fit. The Liquor Donuts team offered the space indefinitely with the opportunity to soft launch their new concept by opening a pop-up in the funhouse lobby.
The numbers seen in the liquor license application were simply a reflection of capacity calculations based on square footage set by the AGCO. Ultimately, the owners will work with the Toronto Fire Department inspector to arrive at a safe number. The motivation was to provide flexibility depending on the residency and cultural events booked.
The artist collective and Liquor Donuts team have met with and continually seek guidance from Kensington BIA, KMAC (Kensington Market Action Committee), Kensington Jazz Festival and Councillor Cressy and local residents and business owners to ensure the future of 241 August Avenue aligns with the spirit and values of Kensington Market.