Seven years ago, the stretch of Harbord Street between Manning and Ossington didn’t have a place where neighbourhood locals could get together, grab a coffee and have a bit of conversation. In 2009, Sam James, a then 25 year old who not only lived in the community but also worked for several notable coffee shops in the city, saw an opportunity to change all that. His goal was to create a simple, unpretentious café and provide exceptional coffee to the unique ’hood he’s proud to call home.
Along with his dad, Sam took the money he had and went to work, gutting what used to be an old junk shop. Three months later, the duo completed the job and opened Sam James Coffee Bar, one of the most beloved coffee shops both in the neighbourhood and the entire city.
