Boxcar Social: building a better bar

Update: Now in Two Locations!

We tracked this new espresso and wine bar from its inception – now it’s expanded to a second location in Riverside, just off Queen St. E at 4 Boulton. Read about it here.

Now Open!

We tracked the building of this new espresso and wine bar through the winter (see below), and now we get to taste it!

Boxcar Social OpenCheck out the write-ups in Zagat and BlogTO!

Building a better bar

What’s more iconic in Toronto than the opening of a new café or bar? What goes into putting something like this together? Especially for young entrepreneurs who are doing all the work themselves? This pictorial essay will give you an idea. We follow the construction of the new Boxcar Social: Espresso and Wine Bar opening in February 2014 at 1208 Yonge at Summerhill – across from the LCBO and just north of the train tracks – hence the name.

A logo that fits the locationBoxcar Social logo.

Getting the keyGetting the key to the building for Boxcar Social.The locationLocation of Boxcar Social.

The “plan”Floorplan for Boxcar Social.

Wishing for the permit fairyPermit forms for Boxcar Social.

Ripping up floorsRipping up old floor tiles at Boxcar Social.

Endless trashHauling out reno trash from Boxcar Social.

Exposing brickRemoving plaster from brick walls at Boxcar Social.

Everyone pitches inWorkers removing plaster from brick walls at Boxcar Social.

Just like HGTVWorker removing lathe at Boxcar Social.

Plank before burningPlank used in reno of Boxcar Social.

Plank after burningPlank grain enhanced by burning, for reno of Boxcar Social.

No shirt, no problemPainting the ceiling at Boxcar Social.

Shiny new floorsRefinished floors at Boxcar Social.

Building a barFrame for bar at Boxcar Social.

Bar close to completionBar nearly complete at Boxcar Social.

Hanging lightsLight fixtures installed at Boxcar Social.

Getting closeConstruction almost complete at Boxcar Social.

Celebrating with friends before openingParty before opening at Boxcar Social.

Follow the completion and find out the date of the official opening on Instagram: @boxcar_social

–  Miria Ioannou
– Photos courtesy Boxcar Social