The Beaches community and neighbourhood in Toronto is known for, of course, the beach.

But beyond the waves and sand lies a neighbourhood that in recent years have seen quite a lot change - both good and bad.

Over here the community camaraderie is strong and as a result, has allowed a number of independent businesses to thrive for decades and become local stalwart locations.

Here's a closer look at some of them.

Green Eggplant

This family-friendly bistro has been at its current location at 2024 Queen Street East for six years, after moving down the block from 1968 Queen where it was for 16 years.

Though original ownership has changed, Liz and the rest of the management team are dedicated on delivering classic Green Eggplant plates. 

Green Eggplant used to operate at 1968 Queen Street, just one block away.

How have you noticed the neighbourhood change?

I've noticed that it's quieter at night. We used to be cashing out at midnight on Saturday nights and now [the customers] are out of here by nine.

I don't know if it's the people are here who moved or the economy but we definitely used to have lineups around the block

Part of the management team, Liz says she's noticed customers leaving earlier than usual.

How has Green Eggplant changed or stayed the same?

The menu. A lot of our signature dishes haven't changed, we've introduced a few dishes here and there.

We always have our signature homemade dips that we bring to the table; the baba ganoush, hummus and fried eggplant. The clientele has stayed the same, it's still very family oriented.

Signature dishes include this creamy penne a la vodka plate.

What does the future hold for the restaurant?

It still seems to be going pretty smooth so far, there's no word I’ve heard about changing going forward. The online orders are still very popular. I don't see much changing in the future besides the economy.

Sauvignon Bistro

Serving up classic French-inspired dishes like foie gros torchon and braised lamb shank, Sauignon Bistro owners Gregoire Godin and Stephane Poquet have been running the joint for nearly 24 years at 1862 Queen Street East. 

How has the Beaches changed over 24 years?

(Gregoire) A lot, here especially because of the development across the street, it just started when we opened, because it used to be the old race track so they tore that down and it used to be the one condo - that was good for us.

Owners Greigore (left) and Stephane (right) opened the bistro 24-years ago.

How was the bistro changed or stayed the same?

(Gregoire) The concept has kind of stayed the same but we've expanded over the years. There used to be a dry cleaners in here, 500 square feet, so in the fifth year we took it over and then we expanded the kitchen and then we got the patios.

The bistro is known for French dishes and fine wines.

What does the future hold for Sauvignon?

(Stephane) The future looks good, we've got five years on the lease. We've got no plans of going anywhere. (Gregoire) We’re just hoping things get a little easier.

Ed's Real Scoop Beaches

Part of the iconic Ed's Real Scoop chain, the Beaches location at 2224 Queen Street East has been under the leadership of Rebecca Jones for more than a decade and just recently with the added addition of assistant-manager Travis Johnson, who's been with the store for 11 years. This location has been a staple in the community for 22 years. 

What changes to the neighbourhood have you seen?

Not a [change] to the customers per say but a lot of businesses have come and gone, especially with the pandemic.

Manager Travis has been with Ed's for over 10 years.

I've grown up in the neighbourhood, I've lived here almost my whole life and so I've seen massive changes whether or not they've been involved with the store.

Gelato and classic ice cream flavours have Beaches residents staying cool all year long.

How has the store adapted to change or stayed the same?

The only difference I've noticed is the ratio of card payment to cash payment, but I don't think that's localized to the store.

Ed's online sales for icecream pints also do very well.

What does the future look like for this location?

We're hoping to do kind of a modern Reno, hopefully in the next couple of months, that's really about it.

Remarkable Bean

One of the first coffee shops that introduced lattes and other mixed drinks to the area, the Remarkable Bean at 1103 Queen Street East was first run by Susan Fowler but has now passed to her children, George and Marianne. Susan tells blogTO about the cafe's 28-year history. 

How has the Beaches changed over the year?

We've lost a lot of the small, kitschy businesses because the rent is so high and the taxes are so high. And you have to pay to park on Queen Street from 9'olock but you don't have to pay on Kingston Road, you don't have to pay on Gerrard after six, so that makes a difference.

With almost 30 years in the Beaches, Remarkable Bean has many regular customers.

We've had staff that came in strollers when they were babies work for us and they bring their kids. The people in the beaches, they never move.

The Bean prides themselves on roasting their own coffee in-house and making their own baked goods.

How has your business changed or stayed the same?

I don't think it's changed that much, it's the same thing, we've always baked, we roast our own coffee.

Our coffee is certified organic and fair-trade. Most of our customers are regulars, we get the summer crowd, because we're the first coffee shop when you walk to the end of the boardwalk.

In-house made treats and pastries are a staple at the Remarkable Bean.

What does Remarkable Bean's future look like?

We have this store and we have one in Leslieville as well, so we're thinking we may open another one, there's a roaster we'd like to buy - but its too big for in here.

Book City Beaches

One of four Book City locations, the Beaches shop 1950 Queen Street East has been serving the community for around 35 years. Longtime employee Stacey Madden reminisces about the location and ever-changing neighbourhood. 

How has the neighbourhood changed?

Some of the changes are not positive, like a lot of shuttered businesses, particularly since COVID. I think there's been a lot of like rent increase over the past 10-15 years in the neighbourhood that's caused a lot of small businesses to close.

Thankfully we've survived that - we have a loyal customer base and being part of a minor change. That's the most glaring change I've noticed.

How has the store adapted?

The store has had to adapt somewhat. We've had to increase our merchandise, so non-book merchandise, so we're selling things like journals, bookmarks, puzzles, mugs, gift wrap, you know things of that sort.

We've decreased our magazine section but that probably has to do more with journalism than the book business.

What does the store's future look like?

I mean hopefully with the loyal customer base we have, their children and their children's children will grow up to be readers.

I've seen the generations come in over the years, so I'm hoping for that loyalty to remain. And we've done a good job of expanding where we need to and also expanding our books.