Former Toronto Butcher Is Now a Vegan Deli

Share

One Toronto resident is transforming a former butcher shop into a vegan deli.

Set to open in mid-August, Jinglepear Deli will take over the old butcher space, formerly called Strickland’s Choice Meats. The family-owned butcher shop was in operation for more than 40 years before closing down.

Sinéad Hammons told LIVEKINDLY that in addition to animal rights, a lack of quality vegan food items on the market inspired her to open the deli.

“I wanted to bring my personal values as a vegan, a parent, and an animal liberation activist to a business where people could shop for many everyday plant-based items they can’t find elsewhere,” she said.

Hammons went vegan in 2014 after watching a video of a dairy cow chasing a cart that was taking away her baby.

Hammons added: “At the same time, the purpose of Jinglepear Deli is to help everyone eat more vegan and plant-based food. To make it more accessible, to normalize it. I am focusing on showing that healthy, delicious vegan and plant-based food is for everyone.” 

Items will include ready-to-serve meals like casseroles and cutlets, ready-to-cook items like BBQ kebabs, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options, and some produce. All of the products will be palm oil-free.

“Picture walking up to the deli case in the traditional grocery store. Turn it all vegan and that’s a good idea of what to expect,” she explained.

She added that the deli is focusing on “healthy, everyday eating” instead of “fast food or vegan junk food.”

A wave of vegan butcher shops have been popping up across the U.S. | @theherbivorousb

Demand For Vegan Food Rises

A new report from MarketsandMarkets, a market research company, revealed the global plant-based meat market is projected to grow from $3.6 billion in 2020 to $4.2 billion by 2021.

The report found consumers are gravitating towards purchasing vegan meat instead of animal-derived meat. It lists health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic as a possible reason for the increase.

A number of vegan businesses have been popping up across the country to meet the growing demand for plant-based food. These include vegan butcher shops and delis.

Minneapolis-based 100 percent vegan butcher shop, The Herbivorous Butcher, opened its doors in January 2016. The store sells a variety of meatless offerings, including meatballs, salami, and beef tips.

Located in Berkeley, California, The Butcher’s Son is a vegan delicatessen and bakery that sells a number of “meaty” foods. Menu items include the Steak Reuben, the Smoked Tuna Melt, and the Chipotle Turkey Melt.

This post was last modified on July 14, 2021 1:50 pm

Audrey Enjoli

Audrey writes about sustainability, food, and entertainment. She has a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism and political science.

Published by
Audrey Enjoli