Dear Grain is preparing to add two Toronto bakeries at The James in Summerhill and Waterworks on Richmond Street West, according to an announcement from Big League Food Company.
Big League co-founder Max Daviau told What Now Toronto that the Summerhill bakery is expected to open in late October or early November. The Waterworks location is planned for early 2027.
The first bakery will join Shops at The James, a new retail development at 5 Scrivener Square near Summerhill Station. The second will be located at 511 Richmond St. W., along the Richmond Street side of the Waterworks complex.
Dear Grain currently operates three bakeries: two in Toronto, at 48 Ossington Ave. and 175 Roncesvalles Ave., and one in Hamilton, at 103 Vine St. Its products are also available through other retailers.
The bakery specializes in sourdough made with locally sourced organic and heirloom grains. Its dough ferments for 12 to 36 hours and uses hydration levels above 80 percent. The menu includes loaves, croissants, sandwiches, and seasonal items such as scones, cookies, muffins, babkas, and pizza slices.
Dear Grain’s new bakeries are part of a larger expansion at Big League Food Company.
Founded in 2024, the Toronto-based company owns Dear Grain, Dark Horse Espresso Bar, Village Juicery, and Detour Coffee. Big League reported 25 percent compound annual growth and said its revenue run rate is approaching $70 million heading into 2027.
Between May and September, the company opened one new Village Juicery location and five new Dark Horse locations across Ontario. Big League also reported a 25 percent increase in same-store sales at Dear Grain.
The announcement also highlighted a new 10,000-square-foot Dear Grain production bakery beside Gage Park in Hamilton, designed to increase capacity for the brand’s stores and wholesale business.
Follow Dear Grain on Instagram for updates on both openings.
