Teo’s has been a hot spot for Italian food and patio drinks on Corydon Avenue’s busiest stretch since opening in 2013. Nikola Maharajh and Shea Ritchie recently decided to purchase and revamp the restaurant because they were enticed by the great location and prime patio space.
The pair of business owners have been best friends for over eight years. Shea owns Chaise Café and Lounge, and Nik is a co-owner of the popular nightclub 441 Main.
“Shea’s specialty has always been food, mine has been nightlife and marketing. Both of us respectfully try to be innovative with our concepts,” said Nik.
It’s been business as usual at Teo’s since the recent changing of hands, but Nik and Shea have big plans to switch up the familiar restaurant and lounge.
For starters, the restaurant that previously only served dinner will be officially launching a buffet-style brunch on Saturday, June 1 that strays from the traditional fare of eggs and bacon.
“We’ve always strived to produce something more creative and intriguing than a typical breakfast menu,” said Shea. “We’re also planning to launch an eggs benedict station where guests can collaborate with our chef to make a customized eggs benny right in front of their eyes.”
Although the eggs benny station isn’t up and running yet, we recently headed down Corydon Avenue to try out some of the items on its new brunch menu.
We started the meal with a roasted red pepper waffle that had a melt-in-your-mouth texture and was topped with scrambled eggs and spinach béchamel. Next to that was fresh bruschetta tomato salad with goat cheese.
A couple personal favourites were the smashed sweet potatoes with chimichurri and the spicy sautéed mushrooms and green beans. Each of the dishes worked together to create a filling and flavourful meal.
Just when we thought our brunchin’ was complete, a couple sweeter options were brought out. Sugar coated mini chocolate chip pancakes and carrot cake were the perfect way to finish off the day.
The menu mirrors the eclectic mix of delicious dishes and vegan and gluten-free options you can find at Chaise Café. The buffet is $20 per person for unlimited food and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Nik and Shea also intend to offer a membership that gives guests and a plus one 50 per cent off their meals.
Other than brunch, the duo plans to add live music on Wednesday evenings as well as piano on the patio on Monday nights.
“We want a wide range of options throughout the week to help bring a different experience each night,” said Nik. “We want to create a safe environment where everyone feels welcome to come drink, eat and dance.”
A name change will also be on the menu come fall.
“We’ll be changing the name to Chaise Corydon, but the location will still be known for its fun nightlife and great summer patio,” said Shea.
To stay up to date on all things Teo's, check out their Facebook page.
