CLOSURE: Cafe and comic book shop closing after nearly 10 years in Toronto
Published August 19, 2024 at 10:57 am
A cafe and comic book shop will close its doors this week after nearly 10 years in Toronto.
The Sidekick, a Leslieville coffee shop and bookstore, is closing on Wednesday, according to a post on Instagram.
“Join us for last coffees, last comic purchases. Open 8am-5pm Monday-Wednesday. The last day is Wednesday the 21st and we miss you already,” The Sidekick posted.
Two friends opened the shop in 2015 and it expanded into a community hub for comic book fans, comedy nights, birthday parties and book launches.
“This space meant more to more people than the two of us ever dreamed possible,” the post reads. “Thank you, Leslieville.”
Many customers commented on how much they will miss the shop.
“Thank you for all these tremendous years, the comics, the brews, trivia nights, open mics, the art, the laughs and core memories shared with so many of our locals you will be truly missed!” Leslieville BIA said in a post.
The shop, like many other businesses, struggled during pandemic lockdowns.
“Financially, we never recovered from COVID. Neighbourhood traffic has been steadily declining and it became impossible to keep open,” The Sidekick posted on X in July.
Throughout August, The Sidekick has held sales on comic books with up to 50 per cent off. A silent auction is planned for the final day.
The shop thanked customers for their support.
“Thank you to all of our regulars, and all of our Sidekicks past and present. This journey has been such a treat.”
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