Justin Friedlich, a Canadian-born chef trained at George Brown Chef School after completing a business degree, is launching his first solo restaurant, Shay, an Italian-inspired eatery and wine bar at 1055 Yonge Street in Toronto.
Friedlich has previously served as sous chef at Buca Osteria & Enoteca and chef de cuisine at Buca Yorkville, where he worked for nearly a decade. Known for his Italian-inspired cuisine, Friedlich named his new restaurant after his three-year-old daughter, according to Streets of Toronto. Shay will feature a menu influenced by Italian traditions and local ingredients and has already generated buzz on social media ahead of its opening, which is currently unknown.
Friedlich began his career at Buca King Street during his externship and progressed to chef de cuisine at Buca Yorkville over nearly a decade. The established chef emphasizes teamwork and respect in the kitchen. In 2023, he announced his departure from Buca Yorkville, calling it “a place that I called home for almost the past decade of my life.” He is now preparing to open Shay, his first solo restaurant and wine bar in Toronto’s Rosedale neighborhood.
This area is a well-established, affluent area known for its strong residential community. This will be an excellent location for Shay’s debut because of its proximity to Summerhill Station, which brings high foot traffic. It is situated near popular dining spots, such as Terroni, attracting food enthusiasts to the area. The busy intersection and nearby amenities provide good visibility and accessibility for a new restaurant. These factors make 1055 Yonge Street a perfect location for Justin Friedlich’s first solo venture.
