PASAJ, a Turkish-inspired brunch restaurant in Leslieville, has temporarily closed after a fire broke out in the early hours of October 13 at its location at 1100 Queen Street East in Toronto.
The fire, which began around 1 a.m., caused extensive damage, destroying the restaurant’s kitchen and rendering the space inoperable, according to the restaurant’s website. No injuries were reported, and emergency crews responded promptly to contain the situation. Owners Dee and John Ulgen issued a public statement expressing their heartbreak and gratitude to first responders.
“PASAJ is our heart and soul, our baby, our everything, and this loss has left us heartbroken and in shock,” according to the statement. “We are still processing this tragedy and working to assess the full extent of the damage. At this early stage, we are uncertain about our next steps, but we are committed to keeping you informed as we navigate this challenging time. We are deeply grateful that no one was injured in the fire, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly to contain the situation.”
The restaurant first opened in November 2020 and quickly became known for its elevated Turkish brunch offerings, including its signature Big Fat Pancake Stack, artisanal breakfast plates, and a curated drink menu. While reopening plans remain uncertain, the team has stated that updates will be shared on PASAJ’s website and Instagram account as they assess next steps.
PASAJ was designed to bring a taste of Istanbul to Toronto, drawing inspiration from the owners’ background growing up in Turkey. The restaurant became a neighborhood favorite for its all-day brunch and warm hospitality, with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors reimagined for a modern Toronto audience.
While PASAJ remains closed, the owners’ sister concept, Simit & Chai, continues to operate at both its 787 King Street West and 1114 Queen Street East locations. The café offers a similar celebration of Turkish flavors, with a focus on simit, tea, and baked goods.
The community can expect updates regarding PASAJ’s future on its official website and social media channels. No timeline for reopening has been confirmed yet.
