Longtime Kensington Market butcher Segovia Foods closes after nearly 50 years
The Latin American-focused shop at 218 Augusta Ave. is the latest in a string of independent closures in the neighbourhood, as rising costs and decreased foot traffic take their toll.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Segovia Foods, a butcher shop that served Kensington Market for nearly half a century with chorizo-infused sausages, empanadas, and Brazilian and Mexican prepared foods, has closed.
The shop at 218 Augusta Ave. opened in 1978 at 928 Bloor St. W. before relocating to the Augusta Avenue stretch — a concentrated cluster of Latin American businesses — where it had been since 1996. A "for rent" sign appeared outside this month, and news of the closure circulated among local Facebook groups before the family behind the business confirmed it.
"Blessings for the kind words. It was time to move on. We are blessed to have been part of such a beautiful community," the Segovia Foods family wrote on Facebook. "Finally 30 years later it was time. Again I thank everyone who supported us all those years. Love and blessings always."
Customers mourned the loss. "I absolutely loved everything about that place! The people that worked inside were very nice," one wrote. Another said: "Leo and his family will be missed! My favourite empanadas for sure. The chimichurri recipe was the best."
Segovia's closure is part of a broader trend of long-standing independent businesses disappearing from the neighbourhood. The shop menu featured baked empanadas filled with chorizo and Chilean-style beef, pastel de queijo (Brazilian cheese pastries), Cochinita Pibil (Yucatán-style Mexican pulled pork) sandwiches, and feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew).
Rising food prices and decreased foot traffic have been cited as factors in recent closures. Jumbo Empanadas, across the street from Segovia's former location, still operates at 245 Augusta Ave., but its owner Irene Morales confirmed to media that the shop will close due to a variety of factors including rising inflation. The listing for the space notes the "entire building can be delivered vacant on closing." Hooked Inc., a fishmonger formerly at 206 Baldwin St., closed last year citing the difficult financial climate and changes in Kensington Market. Seven Lives, a Baja-style tacos restaurant, announced closure weeks ago, citing rising food and labour costs that made the restaurant "too difficult to keep running."
The facts
How long was Segovia Foods in business?
Segovia Foods operated for nearly 50 years, opening in 1978 and closing in September 2026.
Where was Segovia Foods located?
Segovia Foods was at 218 Augusta Ave. in Kensington Market, where it had been since relocating there in 1996 from its original location at 928 Bloor St. W.
What were some of Segovia Foods' menu items?
The butcher shop served chorizo-infused sausages, empanadas, and Brazilian and Mexican prepared foods including pastel de queijo (Brazilian cheese pastries), Cochinita Pibil (Yucatán-style pulled pork sandwiches), and feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew).
Why did other nearby restaurants close recently?
Jumbo Empanadas cited rising inflation, Hooked Inc. cited the difficult financial climate and changes in the neighbourhood, and Seven Lives cited rising food and labour costs.
