The Spice Trader and Olive Pit has a been a connoisseurs' stop on Queen West since it opened, spices on top, olives in the basement, five years ago. But when the lease ran out, they decided they needed a bigger space.
"We wanted to expand, do classes, the space was too small for that," says owner Allison Johnston. The new space, at 877 Queen West, just two blocks west of their old location (previously home to
Klaxton Howl), is about a third larger, Johnston says.
Completely renovated to a design by Deborah Fenwick of the
Fenwick Design Group, the new single-level space has a 10-foot marble counter, painted copper ceiling and a mural on the wall adapted from the company's logo. According to Johnston, the new look is "old world apothecary." In addition to stocking more store-imported and bottled olive oils, Johnston plans to offer balsamic vinegar tastings and classes in spice grinding.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Allison Johnston
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