shook toronto

Popular Toronto restaurant evacuated after fire breaks out during lunch service

Customers and employees of a popular restaurant in downtown Toronto were forced to evacuate today after a fire erupted in the kitchen.

Fire Services were called to Shook this afternoon, according to Chelsea Gaskin, who works in the salon next door to the restaurant. 

She said she believes there was an explosion in the kitchen, which resulted in a loud bang and smoke everywhere. Customers were then told to evacuate. 

"I was working in the salon next door and it started to smell like something was burning," she said. "I went outside and saw black smoke coming out of Shook and everyone had evacuated from the restaurant and Bar Buca."

Shook is an Israeli restaurant with an entirely vegetarian menu, and it opened its doors just months ago. 

"A very small fire broke out in the kitchen and it was contained immediately," said a representative for Shook. "All guests and staff were evacuated as a precaution. We are very thankful that no one was injured and appreciate the work of first responders. We will be reopening shortly."

While the representative said they're not sure exactly when the restaurant will reopen, they said it would be "imminently" and that the fire was "very, very small."

Lead photo by

Chelsea Gaskin


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

These men turned their passion for motorcycles into bustling new Toronto cafe

Toronto restaurant known for its rooftop patio shuts down

Toronto man is secretly cooking up some of the best BBQ this side of Texas

5 new Italian restaurants in Toronto you need to try at least once

60 essential bars in Toronto you need to visit at least once

Consumers demand new 'product of Canada' labels in grocery stores

Fired TV hosts Sid Seixeiro and Meredith Shaw dined together at Toronto steakhouse

Mexican restaurant in buzzy Toronto neighbourhood shuts down