Cafe Gigi and The Dirty Laundry, a new dual-concept daytime cafe and cocktail bar, is set to open in Toronto at 1186 Queen St. W.
The new eateries will take over the former home of Cold Tea, which closed months earlier, according to BlogTO. The project is led by Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli and Robin Goodfellow, both bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience. While an exact opening date has not been confirmed, the takeover is expected to happen in early March. Customers can expect an all-day concept with European-style coffee and baked goods, pintxos, Tex-Mex comfort food, and cocktails.
Cafe Gigi will operate primarily during the day as a European-style cafe, serving coffee classics, signature drinks, and baked goods, and later offering a small pintxo menu with light cocktails. The Dirty Laundry, which will occupy a larger portion of the space, is a high-volume cocktail bar and patio offering classic cocktails, beer, and wine, along with Tex-Mex comfort dishes. The combined concept is designed to be affordable, high-energy, and active throughout the week rather than just on weekends.
The founders spent nearly two years searching for a location before selecting the former Cold Tea space. Their goal is to keep the corner lively seven days a week while introducing a new type of hospitality experience for the neighborhood. The name “The Dirty Laundry” playfully references the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, signaling a fun, approachable twist on fine dining and cocktails.
The new Cafe Gigi and The Dirty Laundry location will feature indoor and patio seating, an approachable menu, and a flexible environment that supports coffee breaks, casual meals, and evening cocktails. This opening continues the trend of revitalizing Queen West corners with multi-functional, community-oriented hospitality spaces.
