Queen East Starbucks Location Closes After Over a Decade
A well-known Starbucks in Toronto’s east end will serve its final cup this spring. The café at 1842 Queen Street East, a staple in the Beaches neighbourhood for over 10 years, is closing permanently on May 18, 2025. This marks another in a line of closures the city has seen since Starbucks began scaling back its Canadian footprint several years ago.
Queen East Starbucks Prepares to Close Its Doors
This closure is part of a trend in the area. Over the years, other Starbucks locations along Queen Street—like those at Hammersmith and Waverley—have also closed. Now operating as a Pizzaiolo and What A Bagel respectively, those former cafés show how local spaces quickly shift to meet community demand.
Staff Transitions and Community Impact
All staff will have the opportunity to transfer to other locations nearby, including the Starbucks at 1960 Queen Street East, which is only a 10-minute walk away. While the company plans to support its workers, the news still hits hard for regulars who built routines around their daily visits.
Though loyal customers will miss their local stop, Starbucks says the decision came after a standard lease review. A representative from Starbucks explains that the closure isn’t linked to any particular Queen Street trend, but rather to a typical lease cycle. “When we approach the end of a lease with any of our stores, we review the partner and customer experience,” they said. “After careful consideration, we decided to not renew our lease at this location.”
New Brews: Canadian Alternatives Worth Trying
The upside? Toronto’s indie coffee scene keeps growing. For anyone looking to shop local or support Canadian chains, now is a good time to branch out. Options around the area include:
- Bud’s Coffee Bar: A cozy spot for espresso lovers.
- Simple Coffee: Great for grab-and-go mornings.
- De Mello: Known for its quality beans and minimalist design.
- Balzac’s: A Canadian staple with a rich history.
- Pilot Coffee Roasters: Toronto-based and bean-obsessed.
- Second Cup: A longstanding Canadian chain still brewing strong.
- Jimmy’s Coffee: Popular for its vibe and locally roasted coffee.
While big chains offer consistency, these homegrown brands bring a more personal feel and often source their beans with care. Many also feature partnerships with local bakeries and offer seasonal menus that reflect the city’s tastes.
As the Queen East Starbucks prepares to close, it also opens the door to rediscovery. Whether you’re after the same drink or ready to try something new, there’s no shortage of Canadian cafes ready to fill the gap—and maybe even become your new go-to.
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