SugarKane Restaurant

SugarKane Restaurant is a vibrant, family-run establishment located in Toronto’s east end, founded by three sisters with deep roots in Trinidad and Grenada. Since its opening in June 2019, SugarKane has become known for its unique twist on Caribbean and Cajun cuisine, providing a tropical dining experience filled with great food, live music, and local art.

From Humble Beginnings to Community Favourite
Despite opening just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SugarKane thrived in large part thanks to the unwavering support of the local community and loyal customers. Their resilience and dedication to providing a lively atmosphere and authentic flavours earned them features on top Canadian morning shows like Breakfast Television and CityLine with Tracey Moore. SugarKane also starred in national advertising campaigns, including a DoorDash commercial celebrating 'Determined Women Entrepreneurs' and an American Express Billboard Ad highlighting their success in overcoming the challenges of the pandemic.

Their influence extends beyond the culinary world—SugarKane even had the honour of hosting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for dinner, adding a unique milestone to their journey.

A Vibrant, Artistic Space with a Strong Community Focus
SugarKane is not just about great food. It has established itself as a cultural hub where music, art, and entrepreneurship intersect. The restaurant's mission is to be a permanent fixture in the community, providing a platform for both local musicians and painters to showcase their talents. By offering a space for artists to perform and display their art, SugarKane fosters an environment where creativity thrives, adding to its distinctive and lively atmosphere.

With live music, local art for sale, and rum bottle lanterns adding a unique Caribbean flair, SugarKane is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination that creates memorable experiences for all who visit. The team also hosts business networking events, connecting small business owners and providing access to resources like business consultants and funding representatives to help entrepreneurs grow.

Commitment to Growth and Expansion
As SugarKane continues to grow, the owners are focused on expanding their reach and further supporting their community. They plan to enhance their marketing efforts by investing in professional photography, videos, and an interactive website. These upgrades, along with launching physical and digital gift cards, will increase their visibility and engagement with both existing and new customers.

One of their most exciting future endeavors is the upcoming launch of the SugarKane Marketplace, where customers will be able to purchase beloved house-made items like their pepper sauce, guava butter, and sorrel lemonade. There are also plans to leverage their connection with The Food Network to develop a new food television show, expanding their influence beyond the restaurant walls.

Creating Jobs and Strengthening Local Food Access
SugarKane currently employs 18 individuals, including the three sisters, and is committed to creating more job opportunities as they expand. With plans to open a second SugarKane location, they anticipate hiring new staff, including chefs, bartenders, servers, and an operations manager. They prioritize fair pay, equitable scheduling, and employee insurance options to ensure quality jobs for their team.

In addition to creating jobs, SugarKane is committed to enhancing access to local food. By purchasing more local fruits, vegetables, and Halal meat, they aim to provide fresh, healthy options for their customers at both their current and future locations.

Investing in the Future
With support from the Fair Finance Fund, SugarKane plans to make several key improvements. This includes replacing essential kitchen equipment, upgrading outdoor signage to increase visibility, and making repairs to their bar flooring and restrooms. Additionally, they are pursuing full trademark registration for their logo, securing their brand as they continue to grow. As they embark on this new chapter, they will continue working with their trusted business consultant to ensure the restaurant’s growth is both efficient and profitable.

SugarKane's vision is clear: to be a pillar in the community, providing an unforgettable dining experience in a space where local talent can thrive. With a strong foundation of family, culture, and community, they are well on their way to becoming an even greater fixture in Toronto’s vibrant restaurant scene. Their dedication to quality food and community engagement ensures that SugarKane’s future is as bright as the colourful rum bottle lanterns that light up their restaurant.