Pennies Opens New Location Bringing Sliders and Tots to Little Italy
Pennies Bar is now calling College Street home. After years of running a tight operation on Strachan Avenue, the team behind Pennies is officially opening a second location at 667 College St., taking over the space once occupied by All Star Wings & Ribs.
Since launching their first bar, Pennies has become a go-to for casual eats, low-cost drinks, and a friendly vibe. Now, the expansion brings their signature style and menu to a fresh corner of Toronto, offering more room, more patio seating, and the same lineup of sliders and tater tots that made them a west-end staple.
Owner James Bateman says the decision to open a second spot has been a long time coming. “We survived Covid, which really feels like a proof of concept for us,” he explains. “We’ve been looking for the right fit and always loved the culture around College Street. It felt like a natural next step.”
Same Menu, Bigger Space
The new location sticks to what Pennies does best: small, snackable comfort food and drinks that don’t break the bank. The menu features longtime favourites, like:
- Cheeseburger sliders
- Fried chicken sliders
- El Paso melts
- Veggie sliders
- Crispy tater tots with toppings
- PBR, White Claw and other canned drinks
The interior is designed by Future Studio and mixes the same mustard tones, smiley logos, and laid-back décor that fans already recognize.
One major feature is the patio. Bateman says it was non-negotiable. “The patio has always been a big part of our brand. This one fits 130 people and includes an inside/outside bar to help with flow,” he notes. That layout allows for quicker service and more seating during busy summer months.
Though the space is bigger, Bateman insists the experience will feel the same. The College location mirrors much of what the Strachan crowd already knows, including happy hour deals and the fast-casual order-at-the-counter setup.
Fast Facts:
- Address: 667 College St, Toronto
- Opening Summer 2025
- Key Features: Inside/outside bar, 130-seat patio
- Interior design by Future Studio
- Order style: Counter service
“We’ve consistently been developing a menu that resonates with our customers,” Bateman says. “No matter which of the two Pennies locations you visit, you can expect the same classic Pennies menu.” As warmer weather rolls in, Pennies on College is expected to become a popular hangout for locals and slider fans alike. With no major menu changes and a space designed to handle more traffic, the team is optimistic about what’s next. Pennies Bar is just one of Toronto’s many budget-friendly cafes and restaurants.
More…
