Cabbagetown is a neighbourhood of beauty, heritage, cultural diversity and inclusion. Anita and Noman are proud to contribute this regular feature where you get to know the people and businesses that make Cabbagetown so special. If you’d like to be featured or would like to nominate someone please get in touch.
Johnny Pearl – Aka the Cabbagetown Carpenter learned his trade as a young man while apprenticing with local expert Al Frank. Specializing in the restoration of historical homes, Johnny knows that quality work is a necessity, making sure to have the finest trades and materials at all times. What clients love most are Johnny’s traditional, family values. What this devoted father loves best is building peoples’ dreams in Cabbagetown. Also a singer/songwriter, Johnny Pearl has performed at Harbourfront Centre, the Horseshoe Tavern, and the iconic El Macambo. Contact: www.cabbagetowncarpentry.ca
(416)702-3723
Lala June – In Timeless Collective Toronto, 540 Parliament, this vivacious entrepreneur’s goal is to create a boutique where you’ll find a piece of every country. The shop houses Lala’s creations, as well as goods from local artists. Items range from clothing and accessories, to original gifts and masks. Lala has a fashion marketing background, but she is a self-taught designer of clothing and jewelry. The Ivory Coast native speaks French and English fluently, and dabbles in Spanish and Italian. She is thrilled to have discovered Cabbagetown where the community is so open and diverse. Instagram @lalajune
Jose Shoe Repair – In the background, a radio plays Latin music creating a lively atmosphere in this cobbler’s workshop. For 27 years, 202 Carlton St has been home to Jose Shoe Repair. Having learned the trade at age 11 in his native Ecuador, Jose takes pride in doing a great job. Customers appreciate Jose’s beautiful work and his honesty, telling them to save their money if something is not worth repairing. Jose loves music as much as he loves dancing. Until Covid hit, he would take his wife dancing every Saturday night.
Jesus Teruel – ‘Simplicity and variety make pizza the perfect food’ says Jesus. The Madrid native honed his chef skills in the Netherlands, recreating artisanal pizzas he’d tasted in Italy. Jesus came to Canada on a working holiday, but meeting his wife Jan he decided to stay. ‘It’s the people you know that make you love a place’. So with a partner, he opened Salt and Tobacco pizzeria 521 Parliament St. Great food, charming staff and cleanliness keep customers coming back, and their compliments bring a smile to his face. In his spare time, Jesus plays Classical and Flamenco guitar. Saltandtobacco.com (647)348-2993
