Fast-growing restaurant chain Flaming Kitchen has secured a lease at 472 Yonge Street, marking its entry into Toronto’s downtown core. The street-level retail space, which became available in May 2023 following Dickey’s Barbecue Pit’s departure, adds to Flaming Kitchen’s existing locations in Scarborough, Vaughan, and Mississauga.
The property sits within a rapidly evolving retail corridor that has seen significant tenant turnover in recent months. Construction hoarding is now visible at the site as the space undergoes improvements for its transition from barbecue to pan-Asian dining concept.
The expansion positions Flaming Kitchen in a prime retail node between College and Wellesley stations, where multiple restaurant concepts have recently secured leases. The area’s high pedestrian traffic is driven by both the University of Toronto campus, TTC Stations and growing residential density from nearby developments.
Yonge Street Retail Corridor Update:
The stretch between College and Wellesley is experiencing a notable transformation in its retail landscape. Tabletop gaming retailer 401 Games has opened at 431 Yonge Street, marking a significant expansion from its previous location. The move signals growing confidence in experiential retail concepts along the corridor.
Quick-service restaurant changes continue to reshape the strip’s food offerings. Western-Asian fusion chain Edo Japan recently opened at 450 Yonge Street, taking over the former Ritz Caribbean Food space. Meanwhile, Seoul Gamjatang has transformed the previous Wendy’s location at 475 Yonge Street, further diversifying the area’s dining options.
At 501 Yonge Street, the Teahouse Condos’ retail podium is approaching full occupancy. New tenants Fit 4 Less, Japadog, Hey Tea, and Clutch Vape are set to join already operating Firehouse Subs, INS Market, and Me Va Me Kitchen. The 960-unit residential development’s commercial component demonstrates the growing appeal of mixed-use properties in the downtown core.
The recent closure of 7-Eleven at 1 Carlton Street, ending an eight-year tenancy at the prominent corner location, presents a rare vacancy at a high-visibility intersection. The space, which previously housed Tutti Fruitti candy store until 2013, awaits its next tenant.
We’ll be working on a photo report on the current state of this section of Yonge Street in the near future, including additional details on upcoming projects.
Dustin Fuhs is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of 6ix Retail, Toronto’s premier source for retail and hospitality industry news. As the former Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider, Canada’s most-read retail trade publication, Dustin brings over two decades of expertise spanning retail, marketing, entertainment and hospitality sectors. His experience includes roles with industry giants such as The Walt Disney Company, The Hockey Hall of Fame, The Canadian Opera Company, Starbucks Canada and Blockbuster.
Recognized as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024, 2025 and 2026, Dustin delivers insider perspectives on Toronto’s evolving retail landscape, from emerging brands to established players reshaping the city’s commercial districts.