HAPPY PEOPLE MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY
You may have heard of us because of our world famous pancakes, but we've been doing brunch in Toronto since, well, before brunch in Toronto was a thing. And we LOVE it.
THE STORY BEHIND MILDRED'S
Mildred’s has always been a place for people who believe that good food and good company belong together.
Founded by chef Donna Dooher and Kevin Gallagher, Mildred Pierce Restaurant first opened in a converted warehouse on Queen West in the late 1980s, long before Toronto became a brunch town. The restaurant took its name, and a little inspiration, from Mildred Pierce, the classic film about ambition, determination, and a woman building something of her own.
Donna ran the kitchen in her chef whites while Kevin held down the front of house. Together, as both spouses and proprietors, they made a pretty great team, even if they occasionally channelled Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Those who know, know!
Brunch began simply enough, as a way to make use of the dining room on weekends and offer a casual (but deeply delicious) daytime service that wasn't quite breakfast and wasn't quite lunch. Over time, it grew into a Toronto tradition, known for warm hospitality, bustling weekends, and, of course, a whole lot of pancakes. Mildred’s was serving brunch before brunch was really a thing in this city, so we think we’ve earned the right to call ourselves pioneers!
After many memorable years at 99 Sudbury Street, Mildred’s moved to Liberty Village in 2008 and became Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. There we serve our famous brunch 7 days a week, to thousands of delighted guests, with the mantra that "pancakes make people happy".
When the world slowed down in 2020, our guests began asking how they could enjoy our pancakes and brunch with the restaurant doors closed. In keeping with our mission of spreading pancake happiness, we launched Mildred's Pantry to bring our famous brunch experience home, and it was a hit.
We started sharing some of the staples people had come to know and love, including our buttermilk pancake mix, wild blueberry compote, organic maple syrup, famous scones and more. Each one is made with the same care and attention that goes into what we serve at the restaurant. Mildred's Pantry is starting to expand across Canada in retail, so you'll be able to get your pancake fix no matter your postal code.
These days, in addition to keeping the masses deliriously happy with pancakes, you will often find our Executive Chef and founder (aka the "Queen of Brunch") Donna Dooher singing the praises of brunch and pancakes on national television, print and beyond.
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen and Mildred’s Pantry are two expressions of what we’ve always done best: brunch worth rolling out of bed for, and food that brings people together at our table or yours.
If you are planning a visit, check out the Good to Know page. We hope to host you soon!
