Walk through West Queen West on a Saturday morn, and it’s hard to miss the gaggle of people congregating around Bolt Fresh Bar. Outside, you’ll find a quad of artsy types perched on the vintage theatre flip seats; inside, young families with babes in arms will crane their necks to read the sky high smoothie menu. Manager Danielle Dutra’s quip is apt: Bolt is indeed the healthy version of Cheers.
While the juice bar is a relatively new addition to the west end landscape, Bolt has already made quite the impression. Toronto has been slower to pick up on the health juice craze than, say, yogi-favourite Van City or its American counterparts. Although other areas of T.O. have places that spin out healthful smoothies, salads and power bowls to go, Parkdale was visibly lacking a piece of the puzzle. Owner and neighbourhood entrepreneur Eddie Chan — recognized for his past endeavor, The Mascot café — is passionate about nutrition and the holistic side of food. While the ’hood is now known for being a hot-to-trot foodie locale — housing eateries like Chantecler and Electric Mud BBQ — Chan saw a gap that needed to be filled and jumped at the chance to open up a space the area was craving.
