Big Way Hot Pot, a rapidly expanding self-serve hot pot chain based in British Columbia, is opening its first location in Downtown Toronto at 559 Bloor Street West, near the intersection of Bloor and Bathurst.
The company’s newest location is set to move into the former home of Kinka Izakaya’s Annex, according to BlogTO. The downtown outpost follows the launch of Big Way’s first Toronto location in Scarborough, which opened in early 2025. With this addition, the chain will operate 13 Canadian locations, including 12 across B.C.
The opening date for the downtown Toronto location has not been confirmed, but the restaurant is expected to launch in either August or September 2025. It is one of three new locations the brand plans to open over the coming months, along with new sites in Monterey Park, California, and Burnaby, B.C.
Founded in 2021, Big Way Hot Pot has experienced rapid growth by offering a unique self-serve dining model. Customers build their hot pot by selecting from over 100 ingredients, including fresh vegetables, premium meats, seafood, and noodles. Each diner chooses from a variety of over 10 broth bases or dry mixes, and meals are priced by weight.
All hot pots at Big Way are served individually, differing from the traditional shared style of hot pot dining. The menu includes options such as Collagen Bone Broth, Tomato Broth, Szechuan Green Pepper Broth, Miso Broth, and Mushroom Vegan Broth. Seasonal features, such as Kimchi Broth and Buldak Kimchi Dry Mix, are also available. Many broth options include vegan or pork-free alternatives.
Big Way Hot Pot recently expanded into the United States, opening its first U.S. location in Rowland Heights, California, on July 20, 2025. A limited-time Labubu giveaway was held to mark the grand opening.
