Former Toronto Butcher Is Now a Vegan Deli

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.”

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.