Patco Cafe is Toronto's Bring-Your-Own-Cup coffee shop inside a space also home toMakeway. Founded by Hanna Paras, the name was coined from her middle name Patricia and the word coffee.

In 2020, Paras suffered a car accident while still in school that left
her unable to drink coffee during recovery. She found herself making coffee creations to give to her friends in bottles to stay connected and busy during lockdowns.

Though Paras began with a simple pickup and delivery system, she soon found herself doingpop-ups in Mississauga at Square One.

Three months ago when graduation loomed near, she was presented with an unexpected opportunity. Christina Tolosa Pack ofAuntie's Supplyreached out to ask if Paras would be interested in bringing Patco to a physical space along with Auntie's Supply.

Being a full-time business owner and being in a shop six days a week has not been without its challenges but Paras says it has been a rewarding experience, "I'm learning so much starting from the ground up."

Growing up, coffee has always been a part of life at home growing up for Paras. She tells me her first memories of coffee were of begging her parents to try some of theirpandesal- where you dip fresh bread into coffee.

Living sustainably is a practice Paras tries to abide by in her personal life and felt it was necessary to continue doing so in her business. "While it's really hard to be zero-waste as a coffee shop, I try to be as minimal waste as possible," explained Paras.

The bottled coffee concept has continued to be the corner stone of the shop but since opening a physical space, she wants to encourage people to bring their own cups.

"I really didn't want to use any single-use cups," said Paras. All bottles are also encouraged to be returned in order to create a closed loop system, and the behaviour is rewarded with a discount for the next visit.

You can grab a pre-made, chilled coffee drink from the fridge either in 8 oz. or 16 oz. to pour over ice. The menu offerings ranges from Caramel, Mocha, Matcha, Cafe, Hazelnut, and Hojicha Lattes, as well as a 18-hour cold steeped London Fog. All bottles keep for five days in the fridge.

Paras also bakes mini Basque Cheesecakes ($12) in the space daily, which are available in Original, Matcha, Earl Grey, and Black Sesame.

While Paras credits her family for being her biggest inspiration in the kitchen they're also her toughest critics. "The cheesecake is the only item that everyone liked during my test bakes which is why I currently only have one baked item," joked Paras.

For those who forget to bring their own cups, there are alsoKinto cupsfor people to sip from while in store.

The space is bright and welcoming, and has ample bench seating around if you want to come with friends to chat. It's also next to a park if you want to take your beverage to go.Patco is located at 91 B Walnut Ave., open 6 days a week.