Did you just move into one of those shiny new buildings with a balcony view? Or are you here for school? Or work? Maybe you’re here starting fresh or you’re looking to reconnect. Whatever brought you to Downtown Kitchener – welcome! We’re so glad you found your way here.
DTK (yep, that’s what we call it) stands for Downtown Kitchener. Why not DK? Who knows. But trust us, you’ll get used to it.
Your first few weeks might feel like a blur of “where do I go,” “is this place open,” and “how have I never heard of this before?” And then, slowly, it begins. You wander into the KPL (that is, Kitchener Public Library) looking for a place to cool down but end up signing up for a library card. Then, while grabbing that book calling you from the endcap, you get chatting with the librarian who tells you about an art show happening down the street. You join a walking tour, not sure what to expect, and find yourself learning how the old clock tower was moved from its original home at Kitchener City Hall.
Soon, you start to recognize faces at trivia night and find yourself checking out posters for upcoming music festivals or community events in storefront windows. You even subscribe for the Downtown Newsletter (Solid move by the way.)
You’ll begin to realize that it hadn’t been about hitting up all the ‘must-see’ spots (though there are plenty). It was about finding your places – those everyday touchpoints that quietly root you. Maybe a favourite coffee shop where they know your order, or a gallery window where you always stop and look. A sunny bench. A sidewalk mural that makes you smile on a rough day.
Downtown Kitchener isn’t somewhere to just pass through – it’s a place you can plug into, show up for,
and be part of. You don’t need a specific reason to belong here. You’re here! Just keep showing up. And when you do, you’ll start to feel it: that shift from stranger to neighbour, from visitor to someone who knows the rhythm of the place.
So, take your time. Say hi to someone new. Show up to something, even if you’re not sure that it’s your thing. You never know what you’ll find. This city is made up by the people who lead with their curiosity, kindness, and the courage to say, “Okay, I’ll try it.”
We’re glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to get to know you.
WORDS BY ALEX KINSELLA, PHOTOS BY HABILA MAZAWAJE
James Zepeda didn’t know what to expect at his first Sunset Session last summer. This pop-up concert series, brought to you by the businesses of Downtown Kitchener and curated by Good Company Productions, features a surprise musical act at Vogelsang Green every Friday night from June to September.
Zepeda had heard about the series before, and Vogelsang Green was only a short walk from his home, but it took an invite from longtime friends to spark his interest. “They told me about this mystery performance where you don’t know the artist until you arrive,” he recalled. “They live in Elmira, but they go to every Sunset Session, so my wife and I decided to join them, and it was awesome!”
With past acts that have included Shannon Chapman, Excuse Me., The Boo Radley Project, Conor Gains, and J-ONE, Sunset Sessions are designed to bring people together in the downtown core with the eclectic musicians, artists, and businesses that call DTK home. “Both acts we saw were amazing and so different from each other,” says Zepeda. “You would have never gotten that mix of crowd there if you knew who was performing ahead of time. You just get there, set up, and the music starts.”
Sunset Sessions are just one of the ways that people are discovering – and rediscovering – the cultures that make DTK unique. Thanks to the support of downtown businesses, the Downtown Kitchener BIA has launched four other events: DTK Travellers Tour, Palette x Palate, Far East Asian Night Market, and Dia de los Muertos.
While music and art are front and centre at these shows, these four events are designed to showcase the restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops in Downtown Kitchener. Kathy
Hanshaw, owner of The Tamale Girl in the Kitchener Market Food Hall, said that Dia de los Muertos was a massive success for her small business last November. “Lots of curious folks, including some of who had never had a tamale, are now converts,” says Hanshaw. “It was truly a wonderful way to engage with our community and share my heritage and our traditions with the city I love.”
PEOPLE ARE DISCOVERING AND REDISCOVERING THE CULTURES THAT MAKE DTK UNIQUE.
These experiences, shared by residents, businesses, and people crossing the region to join in, bring a smile to Arnold Yescas’ face as the Arts & Culture Manager for the Downtown Kitchener BIA. I caught up with him for a coffee at Whoopsie Daisy before the DTK Travellers Tour kick-off this past March.
“The DTK Travellers Tour is a very cool one because it puts the focus on the cultures we have across Downtown Kitchener,” Yescas said. “We bring in different restaurants, and many of them are ones that may fly under the radar. [With this event,] they get a chance to showcase their culture and offer great food in an amazing venue like the Kitchener Public Library.”
I could feel this energy as I made my way through the crowds on the Latin American leg of the DTK Travellers Tour. It was a cold
Sunday in March, but the KPL was warm, and it felt like a new experience walking through the stacks. The air was filled with the sounds of Conexión Latina (a local Latin band) and the aroma of pupusas, tacos, and other treats from Casa Toro 88, Marquez Churros, and KW Empanadas to name just a few.
WHICHEVER EVENT YOU COME TO, WE WANT TO CREATE EXPERIENCES OF HOW DOWNTOWN SHOULD ALWAYS FEEL – VIBRANT [WITH] PEOPLE EVERYWHERE.
While it was hot inside the library that day, it is a luxury to even have the option of being inside. Last August, the inaugural Far East Asian Night Market opened just as rain, wind, and a tornado warning rolled in. “We had over 50 vendors from downtown, uptown, and surrounding cities all the way to Ottawa. It felt like we had started something really good. Then it poured on us all day. We moved the event to the Kitchener market’s covered parking lot and almost 10,000 attendees still made their way downtown to join us,” Yescas recalled.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, DTK kicks off the summer festival season with Palette x Palate in June. While each event brings something different to
venues like Vogelsang Green or the Kitchener Market, Yescas says, Palette x Palate is truly a downtown-wide festival.
”Practically every street corner downtown has something going on,” says Yescas. “There are musicians on corners and near patios. It’s a carnival-like feeling. Whichever event you come to, we want to create experiences of how downtown should always feel – vibrant [with] people everywhere.”
Whether it’s listening to live music under the stars, discovering a hidden gem, or soaking in the sights and sounds of a night market, there’s something for everyone in Downtown Kitchener this season. The only question is, where will your next adventure take you?
In a market saturated by streaming platforms, our relationship with music has changed. Personal recommendations have been replaced by algorithms, and music lovers converse more on message boards than they do in person.
Yes, the internet has granted us access to more options than we could have imagined in the past, but why do I feel more at peace listening to a record (or reading its liner notes) than when I’m scrolling on any streaming platform?
I am more connected to my vinyl collection than my “Summer Vibes” playlist, but what about vinyl is so enthralling? Is it the warmth of the sound? (I can’t get enough of that low end!) Or the nostalgia? (I mean, vinyl has been and will always remain cool.) Records can hold a level of sentimental value that we experience through touch. And it’s nice that, with physical formats of music, screen time is not a prerequisite for enjoyment. You won’t be inundated with software updates nor have to remember yet another password. Best yet, I’ve never had to worry about my turntable stealing my identity while I’m listening to Quincy Jones.
As a record collector for over 15 years, I’m thankful that Downtown Kitchener has a handful of record shops that I have become well acquainted with over the years. Here are two of my go-to spots that will have what you need and keep your identity safe!
Encore Records, a staple on King Street, is the place to be for all music enthusiasts. Thanks to their welcoming and patient staff, I developed my crate-digging chops while shopping. Always trying to find another ‘wax’ gem, I would greet the resident German shepherd at the front door and cozy up to a milk crate, where I’d flip through hundreds of records. Not until the perfect stack of vinyl was assembled would I cash out and head home. As a long-standing supporter of local music, I can attest that Encore Records is
a great spot to buy music from local artists. With their extensive collection of new releases and rare finds, you will want to add them to your list of record stores to check out.
X-Disc-C Music is another long-standing landmark with a massive collection of vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. Keep your ears to the street when you’re a stone’s throw away from the Kitchener Market, because it isn’t uncommon for this shop to host a DJ or offer live local music at their doorstep. Or, when the sun is shining, you might luck out and experience some of their specially curated music, all of which is available for purchase! Whether you’re checking the selection of records out on the front porch or touring inside this quirky and rustic house, X-Disc-C Music is the perfect spot to peruse with a beverage in hand. Also, make sure to pay a visit to the second floor where they carry rare concert posters and artwork. They’re a must see!
“My must-haves are a library, a train station, and farmer’s market. I want to walk to work.” I was speaking to a realtor with naïve confidence. I wanted all the things I loved about growing up in an urban centre.
We ended up in run-down, dilapidated house with strong “bones” and holes throughout, but those things would be fixed with support (thank you to my in-laws) and my partner’s seemingly innate skills and willingness to do mad, new things, whereas the location (that underappreciated thing that can make a place a home and defines a community) had to be special.
After moving in, it took a month to update the electrical system and bury the cable lines for internet service. Sending emails to far-away profs became a daily problem, and we did what everyone did then: we wandered out looking for a café with a table for two, an outlet, and free Wi-Fi.
We walked out toward DTK and found ourselves at King and Cedar where the open and shady patio of Nova Era beckoned us from up the street. We went in and found a place where we could get appropriately sized cappuccinos, pasteis de nata (which I hadn’t seen outside of Portugal), and Wi-Fi. I heard Portuguese, Senegalese, and other languages while we checked our email, and the ceramic cups and general bustle told me that we had chosen the right home.
Fast forward to 2025 and we still stop in on Saturdays for post-market cappuccinos, just as we used to stop in for après-KPL dates with my toddler. This quiet and homey memory became a touchstone later when a new friend, Hyun Sun, described how she saw me at Nova Era years before, as it was the favourite spot of their English-speaking circle: “I just had to swing around to see whose little voice was speaking in Korean and English!”
Many small businesses in DTK have created spaces for us to feel comfortable and build relationships. They put so much care and labour into the infrastructures that keep our communities vibrant. The upfront costs and paperwork of storefronts can be daunting. Having run a few businesses in my time in a different (but also much loved) downtown core, I know that these neighbours – that is, these businesses – are integral to that ecosystem that draws us into the core to work, live, and shop.
As Cindy Xayavong describes in “A Third Space,” in this issue of Own It, we may see the owners and operators of these cafés, grocery stores, restaurants, maker spaces, work centres, markets, libraries, and community centres more often than we see our friends. They give us a place to escape and a sense of belonging.
Let’s support long-run local businesses. I’ll always remember how Café Pyrus was the first place I saw when I visited Kitchener in 2008. I hopped off the Greyhound bus and saw it across Charles Street. I knew it was the right place to wait for my ride with it’s mismatched tables and thrifted vibe. Their new location on King Street is shinier and newer, but their commitment to sustainability and people seems the same. I appreciate the little things: I like how they charge you for a small cup when you have a reusable mug. I love their chocolate shakes, tempeh breakfast sandwiches, and how they’ve never changed their My-LittlePony figures for orders. I appreciate how, just after losing my wallet at the KPL, they waved away payment for the coffee on the condition that I pop by sometime later.
And celebrate the new ones too. Kinoko’s Oven became a new favourite upon my first
taste of their strawberry and cream daifuku at the DTK Travellers Tour this past February. The enthusiasm with which they shared a dessert that I know takes talented hands to make will stay with me as a happy memory. A memory that I was able to share with friends who came with us to learn about Asian foods: thanks, Candice, Frank, and Orson!
And cheer on their successes. Congratulations to Legacy Green for reaching their 10th anniversary this year! Through my visits over the years for veggies, flowers, and the best popsicles downtown, I’ve watched Legacy Green connect us to local farms in a special way. I’m also cheering for the many, new small businesses I’ve seen recently: we’ll stop in soon!
And cherish the small businesses that give us community and something we love. When I heard about the plans to open Taste of Seoul’s
Duke Street location, I sent Jin Hwa (the owner) a text saying congratulations and made a double order of their handmade mandu. We had met years before, after a chance encounter at the pick-up counter when small talk turned into sharing. While she was one of the first people to genuinely welcome me to Kitchener, it was still a special surprise to see her slip a children’s book into my bag the next time we were by. And how can I describe the little tweak of joy that I get when I pop in for a samgak kimbap when I’m on the run? Neighbourhood kimbap is a Korean staple, but in Canada? Younger-me never thought I’d see the day.
THEY PUT SO MUCH CARE AND LABOUR INTO THE INFRASTRUCTURES THAT KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES VIBRANT.
And make routines to visit the businesses that feel like home. For me, this is the Golden Hearth. Their flour-dusted countertops, warm smells, and general cheerfulness win me over every week. I particularly loved how, during COVID lockdowns, I could walk downtown for fresh bread when staples suddenly seemed precious and hard to find.
Somehow, the memories of renovating a house, growing kiddos, and finding work and community are completely tied up my memories of DTK. The third spaces here –Firefighter Park, the KPL, Weber Park, and everyone’s favourite, Brubacher Park – gave me a destination every day as a new and oh-so-tired parent. They gave us places to meet neighbours, make friends, and root ourselves. But the businesses here
feel like third spaces too. They’re places where I could always count on someone to hold open the doors for me and my double-wide stroller and where someone would chat with my super-social toddler, teaching them that the wider world – small as it was for them – could be a friendly place.
To keep the vibe and community that we love in DTK, let’s support local businesses in the core. We can’t love living here and only drive to Superstore or Costco to shop. I encourage us all to build routines like walking to the Kitchener Market on Saturdays. Or popping over to Full Circle (bulk goods!), New City Supermarket (noodles!), or Legacy Green (wine!) for mid-week needs. Why order new Birks, when we can get the old ones fixed at Pfeifer’s Shoe Repair on Duke East? Or why drive to Dairy Queen when you can get amazing cakes from Kinoko’s Oven or Four All on King? Instead of buying a balloon arch for the birthday party, why not take all the kiddos down to Rose Café for pink hot chocolate and photos with against the flower wall. Need to host a gathering? Ask Fresh Ground about renting out their space. And need to find a work spot that’s open late? Try Crabby Joe’s! You might find me there between 8 and 11 p.m. with my laptop and a pitcher.
HABILA MAZAWAJE
BAR CRAWL:
The two most important factors of a successful bar crawl are that it’s walkable and that it has variety. Lucky for you (and me), DTK is home to some of the best drinks and eats in the region.
If you’re lucky, this guide will make you feel like a tourist in your own city. It’ll encourage you to rediscover classic menu items or try something new. (Try it at least once! Let’s just say that I didn’t expect to develop a newfound love for cereal-inspired shots.)
With all of that said, enjoy my guide to some of DTK’s greatest hits: the bars!
THE GRAND SURF LOUNGE
87 Ontario St. S.
Drinks of choice: Blue Hawaiian, Moondance
Snackies: Korean-style mini corn dogs, surf & turf dumplings
Honourable mention: Best bathroom for selfies
The Grand Surf Lounge is hands down one of my favourite bars in the city, so, naturally, I had to start here first. The atmosphere is groovy, friendly, and kitschy in the best way possible. I’m always trying to find excuses to bring new people here to experience it because there’s truly nothing like it in the entire city.
LEFT TO RIGHT: AOK CRAFT BEER + ARCADE, THE GRAND SURF LOUNGE, DON JULIO TACOS & TEQUILA BAR, AOK CRAFT BEER + ARCADE
A LOVE LETTER
Tonight, I order two of their staple cocktails: the Blue Hawaiian and Moondance. If you’re someone who likes refreshing, fruity cocktails, you’re in for a treat. The Blue Hawaiian combines fresh pineapple, rum, creamy coconut milk, and vanilla extract, topped with a bendy straw. Moondance brought more of a mature, floral margaritaesque vibe with lavender, tequila, and black pepper flavours with an edible orchid. (And if you’re wondering, yes, I ate the orchid. It was surprisingly light and sweet.)
The food here is memorable, and I get their dumplings every time. They’re hand-rolled, topped with crispy onions, and surrounded by a moat of fresh cucumbers to take off the spicy edge. We also order the beef version of the Korean corn dogs (note: they have a vegetarian option) with the house-made hot honey mustard and banana ketchup. Just when you think the corn dogs aren’t tiki, you’ll notice that they’ve added goldfish crackers to the batter. I love it here!
SUGAR RUN
33 Queen St. S.
Drinks of choice: House Cuba Libre, Bad Habits
Snackies: House olives
Hot tip: The best time to go is after 9 p.m.
What if I told you that DTK had its very own speakeasy? It’s a hidden gem. Literally.
First, you’ll have to walk down an alleyway and find the door. Then you’ll push a buzzer, but instead of being welcomed in, someone will ask for a secret password. (Shh, it’s ‘Larry Johnson’ tonight.) You’ll be invited inside only to make your way down a dark staircase and through a thick, velour curtain until you arrive at the oasis.
SIPPING, I WONDERED: WOULD AL CAPONE HAVE LIKED MOJITOS?
Surrounded by tropical plants, dim lighting, and a warm breeze carrying a sweet aroma of citrus, the space features an elongated bar offering tons of seating. There are cozy booths and tables (perfect for pairs and groups), and a checkered-floor courtyard in the middle that doubles as a dance floor. Some nights (like tonight) they have a DJ spinning vinyl in the back. It’s completely unsuspected and cool down here.
I sit at the bar because it offers the perfect balance of chatting with the bartender, making new friends, and people watching - if you’re into that sort of thing. Plus, bartenders here are dialled in, and I feel like royalty. I order their house olives and two cocktails: the House Cuba Libre and Bad Habits. Then, for a li’l treat, the bartender
spoiled me with a complimentary Fruit Loop shot. Made from a dairy-free and secret recipe, it was creamy and nostalgic – just like you’d expect. Yum!
Made with their 5-year-old spiced rum, the Cuba Libre packs a flavourful punch. It’s fresh, light, and not too sweet – like, as their menu says, a fancy rum and coke garnished with a healthy amount of mint. Justin (owner), said it was inspired by his grandma’s recipe. It’s way too easy to drink. On the other hand, Bad Habits is a smoky, chocolatey cocktail that would pair well with a fine cigar. It’s mature and comes with a classy, square ice cube with twist of orange. Think, a smoky negroni.
Next, the olives arrive. They’re rolled in fennel, chili flakes, and tangerine, and they’re super buttery. It’s a salt-lover’s paradise.
DON JULIO TACOS & TEQUILA BAR
147 King St. W.
Drink of choice: Mango Habanero
Margarita
Snackies: Tacos de pollo, street corn, churros(!)
Honourable mention: Taco Tuesday (obvi)
Located in the heart of DTK, Don Julio is our third stop. This is the spot for authentic Mexican food, flavourful cocktails, and a
chill atmosphere that feels elevated. They combine fresh ingredients, rich traditional flavours, and damn-good sauces.
I take a seat at the bar and immediately order tacos de pollo, the street corn, and their famous mango habanero margarita. Rimmed with a sweet-and-spicy chili powder, it’s the perfect pick-me-up.
I’m starting to feel a little hungry by the time our food arrives, and these tacos are really where it’s at. They’re topped with a Mexican BBQ sauce, sauteed radish, fried cabbage, and a zesty lime wedge - you won’t get them like this anywhere else. And for dessert: churros! It’s a choose your own adventure between the two accompanying sauces, dulce de leche and a Mexican chocolate sauce, but I ate both. (Dessert is life.)
THE GRAND TRUNK SALOON
87 King St. W.
Drink of choice: Gin and tonic Snackies: The Fuhgaddaboudit Pizza
Hot tip: Ask for the garlic dip with your pizza. (You won’t regret it.)
New location, new times to be had! That’s why Grand Trunk is the fourth stop on my bar crawl. Newly located on King Street, Grand Trunk is an easy-to-find spot for fresh drinks, late-night bites, and spacious seating. (Think of The Grand Trunk as the more chill and
reliable older brother to its quirky, younger sister, The Grand Surf. Yes, they are sibling businesses.)
We’re already at our fourth bar, so I order a classic gin and tonic. A perfect palette cleanser, it’s refreshing, minty, and comes paired with berries and slices of grapefruit and lime.
Despite being known for their chicken and waffles, I order one of their wood-fired pizzas: the Fuhgaddaboudit pizza with soppressata, sausage, prosciutto, confit garlic, green onion, and mozza on a tomato base. A side of their garlic dip is essential.
TWH SOCIAL BAR & BISTRO
1 King St. W.
Drinks of choice: Walper Mojito, Lady in Love
Snackies: Grilled octopus; oysters Hot tip: They host comedy nights
Located under one of the city’s oldest hotels, TWH is a relaxed, classy environment that feels inviting. The makings of a true social!
This time, I sat in one of their many cozy booths with a full view of their bar. (Rumour has it that Al Capone used to do his business during the Prohibition era down here.)
My server recommended their Lady in Love cocktail (fragrant with flavours of
pomegranate and topped with a maraschino cherry; delightful), along with their classic Walper Mojito, which was perfectly balanced with fresh mint, blueberries, and crushed ice. (Sipping, I wondered: would Al Capone have liked mojitos?)
Obviously, I had to order a few of their oysters because I simply cannot resist them. But the star of the show was the grilled octopus. Served on almond romesco and paired with fluffy, toasted sourdough bread, this dish was comforting, savoury, and truly one-of-a-kind.
THE ATMOSPHERE IS GROOVY, FRIENDLY, AND KITSCHY IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE. I’M ALWAYS TRYING TO FIND EXCUSES TO BRING NEW PEOPLE HERE TO EXPERIENCE IT BECAUSE THERE’S TRULY NOTHING LIKE IT IN THE ENTIRE CITY.
AOK
CRAFT BEER + ARCADE
165 King St. W.
Drinks of choice: Starman, King Boo
Snackies: Popcorn
Hot tip: Games are free with $10 purchase
After a slew of tasty drinks, what’s better than going head-to-head in a competitive game of Mario Kart? AOK is the perfect spot to pull up a chair, enjoy a craft beer, and play a few rounds of classic video games.
The vibe here is energetic. The atmosphere is inviting, youthful, and definitely retro: it’s everything you want in the anchor leg of the bar crawl. The bartender recommends their Starman and King Boo cocktails, but all of their drinks can all be made non-alcoholic. Their menu pairs perfectly with the nostalgic theme of the bar. Who doesn’t love fruity drinks, popcorn, and Mortal Kombat? Trust me, AOK will make you feel like a kid again.
If you choose to follow the path laid out this bar crawl, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re rediscovering these amazing options, or experiencing them for the first time, you can rest assured that following this DTK bar crawl will lead to tasty drinks, amazing food, and memories to last!
Note: Be sure to sip responsibly and make a game plan to waltz home safely.
MORE THAN A WALK IN A PARK
Movement, community, and self-care are built into city life. From yoga in the park to coffee shops and salsa in the square to spas for self-care, DTK offers many ways to move, connect, and recharge.
COMMUNITY
One of the best ways to build connections –and surprise yourself – is by trying something new. Whether you are exploring cafés, joining
clubs, or attending events, there are countless ways to meet new people and strengthen relationships. Got two left feet? That’s all the more reason to learn a few salsa moves. You might be surprised by how welcoming and supportive the community is.
Five ways to discover community in DTK:
•Dance the evening away with salsa in Carl •Zehr Square hosted by TenC Dance Co.
JAY PATEL
•Hang out with a friend at Lucero Canteen,
•where fresh coffee, pastries, and their no•laptop policy create the perfect catch-up •spot.
•Get lost in a new read or attend an event at •the Kitchener Public Library.
•Discover health and community by joining •Runners in Motion, a volunteer-led group.
Movement is more than exercise; it is about feeling good, finding rhythm, and connecting with yourself and others. Whether you are cycling through Victoria Park, stretching into a yoga pose, or dancing to live music, movement is about showing up, having fun, and feeling energized. Like community, movement is even better when shared.
Five ways to find movement in DTK:
•Ride to the beat at Cyclone Spin Studio
•where high-energy spin sessions will keep •you moving.
•Box, kickbox, and strength train at 30 Minute •Hit, an intense circuit training program for •women.
•Flow through movement at The Attic Yoga •with classes ranging from aerial yoga to hot •Pilates.
•Get in a basketball or volleyball game while •building community at one of 2SLGBTQIA+
•Spectrum Multi-Sport’s drop-in sessions at
•the Downtown Community Centre.
•Join Pupilates, or Pups and Poses with your •four-legged friend (hosted by Dog Friendly •KW).
WELLNESS
Mental wellness and self-care are just as essential as physical health. Break out of your routine and give your body and mind a chance to reset. Take a moment to slow down and be present while visiting a new café to enjoy a book, taking a leisurely stroll, or indulging in a facial. Let DTK bring you closer to your best self.
Four ways to practice self-care in DTK:
•Rejuvenate yourself at Green Base Health
•where soothing massages and holistic
•treatments help you to unwind.
•Immerse yourself in rotating exhibits and •inspiring workshops at the Kitchener•Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG).
•Find balance at Vogelsang Green with free •yoga classes hosted by The Attic Yoga.
•Pamper yourself at Cocoon Spa’thecary with •luxurious facials, pedicures, and massages.
Habila Mazawaje may be thousands of miles away from Nigeria, the country of his birth, but he feels right at home in Kitchener. The inviting people and familiar spaces that he has encountered here have opened doors to a world of possibilities. As a photographer and the creative mind behind StuffedBox, he finds Kitchener a friendly place for creatives. Kitchener offers him connections to a plethora of networking events to attend and access to business funding, all much-needed resources required to grow any business.
In tribute, Mazawaje often spends his time documenting Kitchener’s neighbourhoods through his camera lens. These ambient shots are an extension of the warm and hospitable vibe that he experienced when he first arrived in the city – one which he has come to deeply appreciate.
Creativity and the camera have always come naturally to him. While introduced to photography by an uncle as a child, Mazawaje’s interest piqued after receiving his first film camera at the age of 12 as a gift from his dad. Although he had used a camera while growing up, he didn’t start taking photos of cool people
and interesting cityscapes until 2013 when, as a student at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus, he learned to balance a formal education in information technology with digital photography. (This would eventually bring him to the sweet spot at the intersection of tech and photography, allowing him to merge his work in UI/UX and strategic design with creative prowess.)
Mazawaje’s desire to document his time in Cyprus through photography became the main catalyst for StuffedBox when a friend, a filmmaker, encouraged him to pursue and develop his art. Irrespective of his unique ability to build websites and code, he turned his passion for photography into a full-fledged business. For the next six years, Mazawaje continued to hone his skills in Nigeria by conducting photo shoots for clients in and around the capital city of Abuja, capturing its life and scenery.
Over the past decade, Mazawaje has called many different places home. But even as the location changes, Mazawaje describes it as a place in which he feels belonging: “Home is where I can feel comfortable and be myself, which then inspires me to capture moments, people, and places. It is in this type of environment that one can be an ambassador.”
Mazawaje loves that Kitchener is calm and serene compared to bustling cities in the Toronto area. He also cherishes his social interactions with the people here; people whom he describes as being nice in a true and authentic way. During outdoor photoshoots, passersby smile and allow him to take their pictures, or they make room for him to take snapshots of others. Sometimes people even recognize him on the street and walk up to him to either appreciate or thank him for his work.
As a newcomer, this makes him feel welcome and on the path to making a permanent home. Mazawaje admits it’s not always easy to make friends and meet others who work in the creative scene; however, he continues to put himself out there by networking and seeking opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. “I hope to build my community of friends here,” he says.
THESE AMBIENT SHOTS ARE AN EXTENSION OF THE WARM AND HOSPITABLE VIBE THAT HE EXPERIENCED WHEN HE FIRST ARRIVED IN THE CITY.
In Nigeria, Mazawaje had established a solid and thriving circle of folks consisting of clients and friends. He wants to replicate the same level of community and accomplishment in Canada and
attributes most of the success of StuffedBox to this approach. “Community is showing up for each other, collaborating on interesting projects, and supporting another person’s work even without an incentive. Sometimes, you want to feel inspired to go out and shoot photos or take videos. In this case, all it takes is a friend’s nudge to check out things that are happening in the city someplace where you can bring along your camera, experience the ambience, and capture the moment,” says Mazawaje.
Besides capturing street-wide events like Kitchener’s Canada Day festivities or the Christkindl Market, there is a certain respect and awe to be had for the inviting spaces that Mazawaje frequents during quieter photoshoots. “I am familiar with a lot of places in KitchenerWaterloo. It is this familiarity that makes me feel very much at home, even though I am navigating settlement. I feel acquainted with many of the spots because I have shot photos and videos there and taken outdoor walks in those spaces; and they also serve as meeting grounds for my conversations with others,” he says, reflecting on his creative journey. “I see these spaces for what they really are even after an event is over and the crowd is gone. I notice the most minute details from public art to structural changes
and new buildings. They all tell a story, and this nostalgia of the neighbourhood is what inspires me to capture photos from a variety of lenses and perspectives.”
Mazawaje, who relaunched his website (TheStuffedBox.com) in January to bring his fresh perspective to the web, also plans to be more intentional about getting out and exploring Kitchener. He is intent on seeing new, cool hangout spots and capturing more videos to teach photography while showcasing the city’s most coveted views. His website already displays some of his best work, but you can also find him on Instagram (@StuffedBox), TikTok (@TheStuffedBox), and YouTube (@TheStuffedBox) participating in a vlog series or sharing behind-the-scenes footage of a recent session.
Both creativity and tech-saviness is central to Mazawaje’s skill set. To this end, he speaks about photography and camera technology with certain pride and precision. As a creative techie who understands web design, AI automation, processing thinking, and how to program devices, Mazawaje says, “overall, it is this blend of knowledge that enables me to stand out.”
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY TAGINDER CLAIR
Downtown Kitchener has a new heartbeat, a vibrant rhythm that pulses from Tamasha: Bar + Indian Kitchen. More than just a restaurant, it’s a feeling and a place where the energy of Bollywood meets the ease of a familiar night out.
For those who have had to navigate two worlds, balancing their own culture within a Western context, Tamasha is proof there is room for both.
Poojan Patel, co-owner of Tamasha, describes his vision to create something beyond the ordinary in their new space. “We wanted to push beyond the standard,” he said, to create a place where traditions mingle with modern tastes. And you can see this in every detail there. Featuring signature dishes like the mini truffle mushroom and cheese kulcha, the menu is a unique and delightful blend of Indian staples with Western ingredients. Their signature dishes and cocktails invite you to explore and rediscover familiar flavours in a new light.
TAMASHA CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF A CULTURE THAT THRIVES ON VIBRANCY AND WARMTH.
Similarly, the atmosphere is a pleasant blend of the familiar and the unexpected. One might find themselves sipping a cocktail with hints of cardamom while a classic Bollywood rhythm fills the air. Tamasha captures the spirit of a culture that thrives on vibrancy and warmth, but their approach to Indian cuisine isn’t just about food; it’s about connection, and their space shows this.
Built to blend comfort and excitement, the restaurant’s design transitions from light, airy spaces near the windows to darker, more intimate corners. The most eye-catching piece is “the tree” – wooden beams backlit by lights radiating outward from the DJ area.
“We wanted to create different zones,” Patel explained, “to create a place where people could come and enjoy, both day and night.” He emphasized the restaurant as both a familyfriendly spot and a vibrant evening destination where nights come alive with deejayed tracks on Fridays and Saturdays and live Bollywood music on Sundays. It’s a space that adapts to our needs for both quiet moments and vibrant celebrations.
Tamasha is a place where the familiar and the new intertwine, and the spirit of Bollywood finds a home in DTK. It’s a place where the heart of a culture beats strong, inviting everyone to join in the rhythm.
Kitchener has always had a rich musical history and is home to a talented and diverse community of musicians who contribute to writing that history. This is thanks in part to some amazing local promoters (No Funeral Records, Pink Lemonade Records, Public Seating DIY, and Good Company Productions) and DTK (funded by the BIA, with Kitchener and the Waterloo Region) for consistently providing spaces for musicians and bands to showcase their incredible talent to their community. Here are some places to check out the local music scene.
CENTRE IN THE SQUARE
Centre in the Square is a beautiful 2,000-seat hall, the largest performing arts venue in the Waterloo Region. Praised for its high acoustic
standards, the theatre has been a local treasure since opening its doors in 1981. The theatre’s reputation draws both international and national talents such as Alan Doyle, Lindsey Buckingham, and Tony Bennett, and tribute acts like the Australian Pink Floyd Show.
THE REGISTRY THEATRE
Located in an art deco building on Frederick Street, the Registry Theatre is a small black box theatre that hosts community arts performances and professional touring acts alike. Home to JM Drama (a community theatre group) and the wide-ranging “Registry Theatre Presents Series,” this theatre shines a spotlight on everything from classical concerts to silent film scores, comedic acts, and musical theatre.
[THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE]
IS VIBRANT AND EVER GROWING, BUT IT RELIES DIRECTLY ON THE SUPPORT OF BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO CONTINUE TO THRIVE.
THE HUB + BOBBY O’BRIEN’S
These two venues share a building and collectively offer space for musicians from a wide variety of genres. Indie rockers and DJs cut their teeth upstairs at The Hub, meanwhile downstairs, at Bobby O’Brien’s, there is a thriving blues scene. The Hub has also hosted international touring acts like Laura Jane Grace, Bass Drum of Death, and Randy Feltface.
THE YETI CAFE
This eclectic café across from the Kitchener Market, known by most for their delicious breakfasts, transforms into a unique platform for open-mic nights for new musicians and indie bands. Owned by long-time supporters of the DTK music scene, Victoria Kent and Jeremy Singer, the Yeti has hosted musicians Jennifer Castle, By Divine Right, and Bry Webb and Cots and comedy nights with Michael Balazo, Ben Stager, and Chris Locke. Landing somewhere between a house and bar, this cottage-turned-café-slash-nightclub is the perfect spot to hear a show.
SUMMER FESTIVALS
Over the summer, there are always outdoor events taking the stage across DTK, and everyone is welcome! Thousands come down for the Wayback Festival in July, a two-day celebration of classic rock that had Canadian legend Tom Cochrane taking the main stage last year. If world-class blues is more your style, Kitchener Blues Festival is celebrating 25 years this August, and they always bring celebrated musicians to the core. Endless Summer rounds out this trio of summer vibes with Juno-winning bands and DJs in early September. Be sure to pencil in these dates to your calendar.
Like a heartbeat, the local music scene draws us in. It’s vibrant and ever growing, but it relies directly on the support of businesses and community members to continue to thrive. Celebrating live music events in Downtown Kitchener presents us with an opportunity to be mindfully present, make connections with friends, and neighbours, and enjoy some of the best music the region has to offer.
From historic buildings repurposed into dynamic creative spaces to murals transforming city streets, DTK is a hub of artistic revival. While Waterloo Region is known for its tech industry and university presence, DTK offers a refreshing cultural escape.
CELEBRATING ART, SCIENCE, AND COMMUNITY IN DTK
Since 2003, THEMUSEUM has been a fixture in the core, offering immersive art and science exhibits, iconic showcases by famous artists, and vibrant pieces by local talent. Be sure to check out their “Museum After Dark” events for a fun way to explore all THEMUSEUM has to offer!
For local talent, Kitchener has created spaces inside city hall like the Rotunda Gallery and The Berlin Tower ARTSPACE. Here, you can find exhibitions by regional emerging artists.
DTK ART WALK
If you’re walking from THEMUSEUM to city hall, don’t miss taking in the art downtown. You can take a self-guided tour using A Field Guide to DTK’s Art Walk – a free, online guide to explore public art at your own pace.
KULTIQ STUDIO: ART, CLOTHING, LOCAL TALENT
One of the driving forces behind DTK’s artistic resurgence is Kultiq Studio, located in a historic building on 48 Ontario Street. Home to PWD Gallery, a household name in the Canadian art scene for over 20 years, the gallery showcases both emerging and established artists through workshops, exhibitions, and events. Just a few blocks away at 276 King Street West, you’ll find the gallery’s new extension featuring even more artists and large-scale works. Follow @KultiqStudio on Instagram to get updates on their events.
44 GAUKEL STREET: CREATIVE SPACES THAT INSPIRE
The 44 Gaukel Creative Workspace serves as a hub for local creatives by fostering community collaboration and outreach. Though typically closed to the public, 44 Gaukel hosts community events like open houses, artist socials, and night markets. Stop by to explore murals by artist Simone Cotrell and Emmy Awardwinning graphic artist Vincent Marcone (My Pet Skeleton).
EXPLORE MORE ARTISTIC SPACES
•Art markets, galleries and workshops at Willow River Centre, a community space for Indigenous, racialized, Two-Spirit, IndigiQueer, and LGBTQ+ members
•Square Peg, a pop-up space supporting emerging talent and local artists
•Posts by @LastMinuteGallery on Instagram for gallery pop-ups. The current pop-up is inside Four All Ice Cream DTK
•Local art for sale at Cafe Pyrus
•History and architecture at The Civil or Abe Erb in the historic Lang Tannery building (est. 1896) while enjoying a bite
A CULTURAL HUB TO EXPERIENCE AND SUPPORT
DTK is a hub of local art and talent, showcasing extraordinary creativity through murals, installations, and community-driven initiatives.
This cultural resurgence is in no small part thanks to new businesses making their homes in the city. As these spaces continue to evolve and grow, supporting local talent and small businesses are an important way to keep downtown a vibrant, inspiring place to live and work.
Building a vibrant, welcoming community takes hard work, dedication, and passionate people who want to see their community thrive. We see this in Downtown Kitchener where two local businesses in particular –Fresh Ground Café and The Civil – strive to create this model of community.
“We knew before we even opened this place that there had to be some element of it that was going to give back to the community,” said Brandon Court, owner of The Civil. “We knew it was going to be one of the pizzas.”
And The Cause was born, a signature menu item with toppings that rotate weekly.
Three dollars from every sale of The Cause is collected for donation, with most going to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. (Past donations supported Spectrum [Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space], Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region.) “Food insecurity is something we’re really serious about,” he explained, noting that demand increases every year. Yet, for
every dollar donated, the Food Bank is able to provide two meals for community members in need. This means that, with roughly $7,500 collected through The Cause, The Civil has helped provide over 15,000 meals to the Food Bank to date.
Their staff love cooking up and serving the pizzas and customers love trying new topping choices and knowing that they are helping the larger community – and Court knows that becomes possible when people come together. When they share their donations on social media, “it’s us thanking our customers for coming in and saying, ‘look at all the good you did.’ By eating this pizza you’re helping feed people in this community.”
On the other side of the downtown core, Fresh Ground Café works with community members to build social enterprise here, where it is needed.
An offshoot of The Working Centre, a wellestablished non-for-profit that runs several social enterprises throughout the community, Fresh Ground Café focuses on creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone. According to Erin Felder, the community tools organizer for The Working Centre, the café provides a space for folks to gather, talk, and engage with each other. They also provide work and volunteer opportunities and bring regenerative business practices to the community.
“I think we just need a place where we know that we can come together,” Felder says. “I think it’s so needed in our world right now –for people to know that we’re there for one another, or that people that are willing to open their doors for the community.”
Within this welcoming space, the café also sells delicious coffee, baked goods, and
plant-based foods with all the revenue generated going back to The Working Centre to fund community projects and programs. “Everything goes into the broader Working Centre, and wherever money is needed within the organization is where it would go,” Felder explains. By grabbing a latte, customers are directly supporting affordable housing, St. John’s Kitchen, programs for refugees and newcomers, shelters, street outreach workers, and so much more.
Both businesses operate on incredible models of giving back. They’re able to provide quality menu items and safe spaces while moving the profits back into the community.
“It’s more necessary than ever,” concluded Court. “It’s only because the community has been so good to us that we have the ability to [give back]. It’s more necessary than ever.”
As foodies and deal hunters up for a unique experience, we’re always on the lookout for the best local spots. We’re CuratedKW –two sets of sisters who call Waterloo Region home – and we’re here to share hidden gems that make DTK so special. If you’re ready to explore some local treasures, here are six spots you won’t want to miss.
1. SHIVI PERFUMERY
Why we love it:
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own signature scent, this is the place for you. They always work to give you a personalized experience, making it the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts or fun workshops.
Highlights:
Shivi Perfumery offers a 2-hour perfumemaking workshop where you blend your own custom fragrance and leave with a 30-mL bottle. They will also help you recreate a specific scent, but prices will vary depending on the materials needed.
Location:
Find them at 357 King St. E., Unit 103.
2. KINOKO’S OVEN
Why we love it:
Kinoko’s Oven is a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh treats and Asian flavours. Every treat here is clearly a labour of love. Aimee (the owner) and her mum add a special LEFT TO RIGHT: SHIVI
touch to this already amazing spot on the Walper block.
Highlights:
Their mango parfaits, mango daifuku (mochi stuffed with mango), and taro-lychee mini cups are some of our favourites. Kinoko’s Oven is also known for their custom cakes in fun flavours like salted egg yolk, durian, and taro. Every bite is fresh and bursting with flavour.
Location:
Located at 1 King St. W., Unit 7.
3. KITCHENER MARKET
Why we love it:
The Kitchener Market is the perfect place to support local farmers and crafty artisans while grabbing your weekly groceries. There’s always something special happening there.
Highlights:
With fresh produce stands on the main level and a variety of food vendors serving up flavours from around the world on the second floor, the market is an affordable spot to fill the fridge and grab a treat.
Location:
The market is located at 300 King St. E.
LEFT TO RIGHT: KITCHENER MARKET, SHIVI PERFUMERY, KINOKO’S OVEN, MI TIENDA LATINA
HABILA MAZAWAJE
4. WORTH A SECOND LOOK
Why we love it:
This charming second-hand shop is full of vintage treasures. For budget-friendly furniture and decor, look no further! Worth a Second Look has something for everyone.
Highlights:
This place, run by The Working Centre, has everything you need without breaking the bank. And they offer delivery for larger items!
Location: You’ll find them at 37 Market Ln.
5. MI TIENDA LATINA
Why we love it:
This tucked-away spot serves up authentic Salvadorian dishes with a menu packed with bold flavours and items like pupusas, tacos birria, and tacos al pastor. And don’t skip on the dessert: the churros here are amongst the best we’ve ever had.
Highlights:
The staff here is like family, and they make sure to help you feel right at home. Don’t forget to check out their grocery shelves for a variety of Latin American products – it’s a perfect way to bring a bit of the tienda back to your kitchen.
Location: Located at 103 Ontario St. S., Unit 2.
6. GLAMUSE BEAUTY BAR
Why we love it:
Glamuse Beauty Bar is a pink paradise offering full beauty services from your toes to your lashes.
Highlights:
Whether you need a manicure, a simple cut, colour correction, lash extensions, or hair removal, Glamuse has you covered. The neon lights and flower wall also make it the perfect place to take after-photos.
Location: Catch them at 52 Water St. N.
MORE TO EXPLORE:
KW EMPANADAS
BAHN MI GIVRAL DELI
AMIRI SUPERMARKET KUNG FU TEA RECYCLE CYCLES DWARKESH INDIAN CUISINE HONG KONG FASHIONS
MY THIRD SPACE
If you have ever wandered through Downtown Kitchener, whether it’s a Saturday morning at the Kitchener Farmers Market, a quiet moment with a coffee from your favourite café, or a meal at your go-to eatery, you may not have realized how connected these local businesses are. Or that there’s a deep sense of community here behind every counter, storefront, and familiar face.
For many, Instagram is one way to stay in touch with friends and family. However, for me, it’s is a gateway into an ecosystem of local businesses, each with incredible people behind them. These business owners are some of the kindest and hardest-working individuals that I have had the privilege of meeting. Over time, their successes have started to feel like my own, and I’ve evolved from being a regular customer to an advocate instead.
In ways that I hadn’t anticipated, Downtown Kitchener has become my third space.Beyond home and work, I feel the most welcomed in DTK. This is where my order is remembered. Where a simple “how’s your week been?” turns into real conversation, and where familiar faces provide a regular sense of comfort. Could these places, these businesses, be creating community in the downtown core?
Even when I’m treating myself to a solitary Saturday morning, my routine is anything but alone. Week over week, I trace my favourite path: first, I pick up a drink special at Zazu’s Coffee Bar, stopping to say hello to Sam. Then I usually walk up to Eby Street Bodega and order a hoagie and ricotta drop, the latter of which I’ll snack on while I explore the store and wait for my order. After grabbing a block of Gunn’s Hill 5 Brothers cheese and chatting with Rebecca and Dino, I’ll cross the street to
the market and stop by Taste of Seoul Express to grab a samgak (triangle) kimbap, where Roha always greets me with the biggest smile.
While moments like these are easy to take for granted, isn’t there a beauty in that?
You can spend your money and time anywhere, yet you gravitate toward specific businesses and people. In some cases, you may see these shop owners, chefs, and folks more often than your friends and extended family.
Not only do these businesses become a part of your routine, but whether they know it or not, these people become a part of some of the happiest moments of your life. Or maybe, they provide comfort during difficult times, or make ordinary days feel a little more special.
When something great happens, where do you celebrate?
After a bad day, what’s your go-to takeout?
When you’re unwinding on a Friday night, what’s your comfort meal of choice?
Through Instagram, I’ve been able to see what truly sets Downtown Kitchener apart. These businesses are not just places to eat and shop; they are run by people who champion one another, celebrate each other’s success, and create spaces that bring joy and comfort to so many.
The next time you step into a café, restaurant, or shop in Downtown Kitchener, I ask that you lean in and get to know the people behind the counter. You’ll start to notice the small gestures of kindness there and realize that there is an incredible community here waiting to welcome you.
This is DTK.
We love DTK. The art, culture, energy, food, and people! It holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s only a short ION train ride away. Our little fam doesn’t usually adventure too far from home after school is over for the day, but the sunny weather recently inspired us to explore some of our favourite spaces in Downtown Kitchener.
Here’s a description of our after-school adventure in Downtown Kitchener and some of the tips we learned along the way:
Riding the ION was a huge highlight for our little ones. We always wave to the train as it passes us by, but riding it was a whole new and exciting experience for the kids. For the parents, jumping on was quick, easy, and meant that no one had to drive – it was a win for us all!
After a short ride, we hopped off at Central Station on the corner of King and Victoria, right across from one of our favourite cafés, Whoopsie Daisy. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a quick snack for the hangry kid in the group. (There’s always one, and ours loves Whoopsie’s Boston cream donuts.)
Drinks in hand, we headed down King Street toward city hall where we stopped along the way to admire the work of some of our favourite artists like Stephanie Scott, Luke Swinson, and Trisha Abe. Just beside Kinkaku Izakaya, at 277 King Street West, you can find Abe’s iconic black and white mural. Peeking over that, we admired
Luke’s piece Zhashagi, which means Blue Heron in Anishinaabemowin. Without fail, our little family has to stop to look at these two pieces every time we pass.
Walking just a little further down King, we arrived at a gorgeous sculptural play structure called “Deconstructed Hearts.” (Located on the Gaukel Street roadway, it’s now a pocket park that invites you to sit and relax.) It was a little steep for our youngest to climb on without supervision, but our
older daughter was able to climb up and around to the top without hesitation. She radiated pure joy and confidence when she made it to the top.
AS DUSK STARTED TO SETTLE IN, WE MOSEYED BACK UP KING STREET WITH FULL BELLIES TO CATCH THE ION HOME, INSPIRED BY OUR AFTER-SCHOOL ADVENTURE
TO COME BACK ANOTHER DAY SOON.
From there, we took a quick stroll through Halls Lane to hunt for more artistic magic and looked for installations by Steph Boutari, Morningstar Designs (Alanah Jewell), and Tee Kundu. This laneway is like a portal into the art world of DTK – so much inspiration, colour, and beauty flow through it. But then we had to run.
Realizing that the bookstore would close soon, we scurried back up King Street to the KW Bookstore. Our kiddos simply have to spend some time there sifting through their new and second-hand books to find a new favourite.
Pretty soon, little tummies started to grumble, and it was time to eat! There are so many kidfriendly options around KW Bookstore (like Crafty Ramen, La Cucina, The Guanaquita Restaurant, and Kinkaku Izakaya), but we settled on SOI Thaifoon. We love the design of the space, and it was such a fun experience for our kiddos: they simply adored the tall stools and fun lantern installation. With options ranging from curries to spring rolls, pad Thai, shakes, and more, this restaurant is a great spot for the whole family.
As dusk started to settle in, we moseyed back up King Street with full bellies to catch the ION home, inspired by our after-school adventure to come back another day soon.
Tips for your own adventure:
•After-school snacks are a must to suppress
•any hanger! We highly recommend planning
•around little bellies by packing a snack or
•picking one up on the way.
•Do a quick check to confirm operating hours
•for the spaces you want to explore. This will
•help you to plan where to go first.
•Download A Field Guide to DTK’s Art Walk on
•Issuu to guide your after-school walking tour
•and learn more about all the incredible art in
•our downtown.
MORE TO EXPLORE:
THEMUSEUM ARTSHINE A SECOND LOOK BOOKS & MORE GREEN LIGHT ARTS
When I was a boy growing up in Kitchener, my dad used to drive my older brother and me around the downtown core where he would nostalgically point out shuttered factories that had once powered the region’s economy: the Kaufman Rubber Company’s plant that produced footwear from 1908 until the mid-1960s; the Arrow Shirt Factory, central to Kitchener’s garment district from 1919 to 2001; the Lang Tannery, which was the largest leather tanning facility in the British Empire until 1954; and Electrohome, Canada’s largest television manufacturer from 1949 to 1987. “Kitchener was once one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the British Commonwealth,” my pops would muse as we’d cruise past.
NOW, THERE’S A DIFFERENT KIND OF ‘MAKING’ IN DTK, FEATURING NEW MAKERS WHO FOCUS ON LOCALLY
CRAFTED, SMALL BATCH, AND HIGH-QUALITY GOODS
These days, many of the factory buildings that housed Kitchener’s leading industries have been readapted and become homes to tech companies, condominiums, or restaurants. But this doesn’t mean that manufacturing has disappeared from Kitchener’s core. Now, there’s a different kind of making in DTK, featuring new makers who focus on locally crafted, small batch, and high-quality goods that reflect Kitchener’s ever-present entrepreneurial spirit.
Introducing Four All Ice Cream, Cocoon’s Spa’thecary, KW Empanada, and Charlie Green.
Four All Ice Cream DTK is a Kitchener-based ice cream manufacturer owned and operated by Ajoa Mintah, who started it in 2017 out of a 500-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Whitney Place industrial strip. These days, Four All crafts their gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-based ice cream confections from scratch out of a much larger facility at 97 King Street West that doubles as an ice cream parlour. Need an ice cream cake for a birthday party? Four All has ‘Chocolate Confetti’ – and a few other flavours – in the freezer, ready to go. Want to stop in for a chocolate-coated ‘Vanilla Bean’ ice cream bar? Or a ‘Strawberries & Cream’ sammie? Four All’s the place. This homegrown business even offers house-made soft serve ice cream crafted from Wellesley-based Eby Manor’s Guernsey milk.
Another great Kitchener-based business downtown is Cocoon Apothecary, an ecofriendly skincare brand founded by Jessica Burman in 2003. While Cocoon Apothecary crafts their products just a few blocks outside the downtown core on St. Leger Street, they also maintain a strong presence downtown with their spa and storefront, Cocoon Spa’thecary, at 165 King Street West.
There you can try a full menu of spa services and treatments like maderotherapy (or wood therapy) using this homegrown company’s products. Each item from Cocoon’s skincare and bath and body line (including Malechemy, their line of skincare and beard oils for men) is uncompromisingly crafted from ethically sourced ingredients and finished in ecofriendly packaging. Every one of these treasures promises to leave any wellness aficionado feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever the day has in store.
A third, wonderful downtown-based maker that has been making a name for themselves is KW Empanadas. Founded by Gabriela Vera, this local business produces hand-made empanadas – and sauces, sweets, alfajores, and more – in their 195 King Street East location, Unit 5. Customers can buy their products from their online store and stalls at the St. Jacobs and Kitchener Markets (where I’ve been prone to indulge in empanada deliciousness).
The variety of empanadas that Gabriela and her team craft is staggering with flavours like back bacon and cheddar, chili and cheese, spicy jerk chicken, cheese and onion, cheeseburger, and blue cheese and ham. If your palate tends more to sweet than savoury, they also make dessert empanadas and homemade cornstarch alfajores, treats filled with traditional Argentine dulce de leche (caramelized milk) and a touch of shredded coconut. (To die for.)
Rounding out this list is Charlie Green, a men’s line designed, prototyped, and altered at Kultiq’s downtown digs at 48 Ontario Street North, Unit 101. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Kultiq’s fashion studio and gallery yet, you’ll want to make a beeline there soon. Founded in 2024 by ambitious duo Brendan Diamond and Matt Cebulski, this eclectic enterprise is equal parts art gallery, espresso bar, and high-end men’s clothier repping the hippest brands (like Barbour, Service Works and more) and their own line, Charlie Green. While Charlie Green isn’t manufactured inhouse, alterations are available on site so Kultiq can offer their clientele a bespoke experience amongst the original century flooring, exposed brick, and gallery walls.
While these small businesses may not share the global reach of their manufacturing predecessors, they are shaping our local landscape with their small batch, locally made, and premium items and becoming the new talk of the town.
MORE TO EXPLORE:
MATTER OF TASTE COFFEE BAR
BARBER & CRAFT
SHIVI PERFUMERY
FRESH GROUND CAFE
SQUARE PEG
DAVID CASCO @DAVIDSCASCO
SAIEL TIVATANE @SAIEL__
KEEGAN GINGRICH @DEADAIRLIVE
MARIA PURZA @MARIA.PURZA
CAPTURES
A COLLECTION OF PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THE DTK COMMUNITY
POORNI RAMAKRISHNAN @VIBGYORBYPOORNI
MARKUS BAR @MARKUSBAR
BEN GUSE @DRUMSANDDRAWS
JOE MARTZ @JOEMARTZ
DTK BIA TEAM
Welcome to the fifth edition of Own It – a celebration of the people, places, and passion that make Downtown Kitchener so special. Our small but mighty team is proud to bring projects like Own It to life. We’re the folks behind A Field Guide to DTK’s Art Walk; events like the Far East Asian Night Market, Palette x Palate, BITE BY BITE, and Sunset Sessions; and the voice of @DTKitchener on social media.
Whether you’re grabbing coffee from your favourite spot, exploring a new local shop, or simply taking in the energy of downtown, we hope that this magazine helps you feel more connected to the people and stories shaping our community.
Thanks for reading, for supporting local, and for being part of the DTK story.
