concept: Snack Sign

like a stop sign but a... snack sign



hello! welcome to a series for concepts I have in my mind. I like to plan and dream more than anything - but reply below if you wish for it to come true.

Welcome to Snack Sign!

Imagine: A third space in the heart of Toronto filled with what you crave - snacks and good company.



Positioned as an alternative to co-working spaces and coffee shops with more offerings than you need and time limits, Snack Sign is what we want community centres and libraries to be - an open-to-public gathering space for people to do what they want and be inspired while doing so. We want the opportunity for spontaneous and serendipitous encounters but sometimes, we just want a space to get into flow for whatever we're up to - a place to sketch, tap away at our laptops, people watch, coffee chat.



It's like the lobby of a library and convenience store and public park rolled up into one. Oh, but with snacks.



The goal is for this to be an unstaffed space - a place upheld by honesty and volunteers. Entry by digital punchcards. Mobile-first space, but cash possible.



A space steered by generosity. The decor, ever-changing to uphold a sense of freshness - to stir curiosity each time you come but also to recognize local efforts and talents. A place to explore and socialize, where you can enter and find a new hobby or connect with an old friend. Where experimentation is encouraged - chase the creative.



It's like your office kitchen, but open as everyone's kitchen.



MVP Properties

• Comfy, moveable seating

• Snack wall

• Ready-to-drink beverage selection with more than your typical brands (dream brands: Sanzo, Ruby, PerfectTed; and the Canadians: Wize Tea, Two Bears, KITE, Sap Sucker)

• Hot water dispenser + selection of instant noodles + instant drinks (instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc)

• Mugs, not disposable cups

• Magazine + books + board game selection (take one, leave one)

• Event space for showings, conferences, etc

• Gallery space, rotating wall for art, writing, installations and exhibits



Roadmap

• Booths + meeting rooms

• Kitchenette with espresso machine

• Showroom and retail space, bookstore

• Workshops by the creative community with an interdisciplinary approach - all arts and skills and professions, unbound

• Activity stations to try out next hobbies without the monetary investment for one-off experiments - video games, painting, etc

• The next science museum, where builders and makers can show and tell people what they're up to, a focus on prototypes and the hidden progress

• Cafe + bakery

• Designation to be a happy hour spot :)

• Partnerships with local food establishments and companies for themed programming and decor, festivals, gatherings, etc



Vibes

Market Inspiration



Neighborhood Goods



“World's biggest candy wall” at M&M's World in Times Square, NYC





“we’re a coffee shop + creative space that puts community and first." - Land to Sea NYC



Oodi, “not just a library” in Helsinki, Finland



Inspiration from the Toronto Ecosystem



Juno College unveils Coral, an inclusive new coworking space for Toronto’s tech community

Artscape Daniels Launchpad's coworking spaces



HTO Park