Mom laid off on maternity leave opening new cafe and bookstore in Toronto

People have been getting back into reading in a big way lately, and it’s inspired the opening of several book-based businesses – and Toronto is now becoming home to another one.

You might have heard of Book Bar, a bar that also functions as a book store and centres around reading. It’s often packed on weekends, and now another business is hoping to harness some of that success and bring its own take on a book-centric space to Toronto.

Same Page Books & Coffee is in the works in Toronto, and it’s gearing up to be a book lover’s dream: an independent book shop, cafe and community gathering space.

“Floor to ceiling bookshelves, lots of brushed brass and custom clay tiles of book covers,” founder and owner Kristy Hutter tells yourcitywithIN. “Some stained glass. Lots of warmth and cozy vibes.”

Specialty coffee will be provided by Java Roasters, with tea from Pluck Tea. The menu should be short and sweet, with most of the focus on the bookstore and functioning as a cultural gathering space.

“Something unique, simple and delicious food-wise in the works too,” says Hutter, who is a former journalist, mother and major bookworm.

The space actually was once a Wine Rack, but thanks to local design company Studio Tasso the spot is being completely revamped to become Same Page Books & Coffee.

Hutter is also documenting the entire process of opening Same Page on YouTube, starting with being laid off while on maternity leave.

Same Page Books & Coffee on Queen East is on track to open around February 2027.