In early March, Pilot Coffee Roasters opened in the transborder lounge at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, bringing the specialty coffee brand to travelers heading south of the border. The location is about 350 square feet. Pilot Coffee Roasters is a specialty roaster, cafe and online retailer that was introduced in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood in 2009 and rebranded as Pilot Coffee Roasters in 2013. The chain of full-service roasteries with about twelve cafes also serves wholesale accounts from coast to coast. Its specialty coffee beans are acquired from the source, through direct trade models, and premium brewing equipment is a feature in all sites. Menu items also include greenhouse juices and at select locations there is also a limited café menu. “This new cafe allows Pilot Coffee Roasters to celebrate our local roots, right at the doorstep of one of the city’s most dynamic gateways,” said Pilot Coffee’s CEO Bruce Miller. “We’re thrilled to welcome travelers with an exceptional specialty coffee experience, sourced through world-renowned direct trade partners and freshly roasted here in Toronto.” Miller also added that Pilot Coffee Roasters is opening a 500 square foot location at the new medical building at University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus later in the Summer. The chain continues to explore expansion opportunities targeting high traffic street front locations of about 1200 square feet. Patios are welcomed.
Pilot Coffee Roasters, 50 Wagstaff Dr., Toronto, Ontario M4L 3W9 (416/546-4006 www.pilotcoffeeroasters.com)