Chris Christodoulou is gearing up to prepare 3,000 souvlakis for the first time in several years. This weekend marks the return of the Taste of the Danforth, an event that is anticipated to draw over a million visitors to Toronto’s Greektown.
After a hiatus in 2023 due to financial challenges, the festival is making a comeback this year with support from the province and the city. Additionally, the federal government announced last-minute assistance of “up to $100,000” just before the festival commenced.
For Christodoulou, owner of Soulas Modern Greek Cuisine, the weekend holds significant importance as the event can bring in as much as $40,000 for his restaurant, helping to sustain business during challenging winter months.
The festival, spanning Danforth Avenue from Friday evening through Sunday, required government funding due to escalating costs post-pandemic. Organizers reported a loss of a quarter-million dollars after the 2023 festival, prompting the need for financial aid.
Tony Patakis, chair of the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, highlighted that the burden of financing the Taste of the Danforth should not fall solely on businesses. The contributions of $200,000 each from the province and the city are expected to ensure the event’s continuity next summer without heavy reliance on government funding.
Despite initial plans, the federal government stepped in with up to $100,000 in funding just days before this year’s festival revival, responding to calls for support from various stakeholders.
Howard Lichtman, the festival lead, emphasized the importance of the extra funding for addressing heightened security requirements during the event.
The festival’s resurgence comes after a challenging summer for Toronto festivals, with incidents like a fatal shooting at Salsa on St. Clair and overcrowding issues at Do West Fest. Organizers have prioritized security measures, collaborating with law enforcement, emergency services, and private security to ensure public safety.
Looking ahead, discussions are planned between the local BIA, province, and city to determine the future of the festival post this year’s event. Corporate sponsorships played a crucial role in supporting this year’s festival, featuring over 100 artists across four stages on Danforth, including renowned musician Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip.
Lichtman underscored the festival’s commitment to showcasing local Danforth restaurants and preserving its unique character. With a diverse range of over 25 international cuisines now available in the area, the event is described as “a multicultural festival with a dollop of tzatziki on top” by Lichtman.
New business owners like Ana Maria Tapia, owner of Xuma Mexican Cuisine, are also eager to participate in their first Taste of the Danforth, celebrating the diversity and culinary richness of the neighborhood.