Barque Smokehouse and XO Bisous Form Alliance in St. Clair West
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Barque Smokehouse and XO Bisous are sharing a single storefront to maximize kitchen utility and expand their reach.
A partnership between a barbecue restaurant and a bakery is attempting to maximize the utility of a single Toronto storefront. According to blogTO, Barque Smokehouse owner David Neinstein and XO Bisous founder Genna Steckel have created a blended space at 572 St. Clair Ave.
Steckel originally opened XO Bisous in the Financial District in 2016 before moving the bakery-cafe to the St. Clair and Bathurst area in 2024. While the bakery remained successful during daytime hours, Neinstein noted to blogTO that the kitchen remained unused after 5 p.m. Seeking a second location to expand Barque's footprint north of Bloor after 15 years at its Roncesvalles site, Neinstein stepped in to manage the savoury food program.
The collaboration soft-launched in late April 2026 and is now fully operational. The business model splits the kitchen's output: XO Bisous provides coffee and sweets seven days a week, while Barque serves savoury lunch items daily and dinner from Wednesday through Sunday. The joint effort includes a combined brunch menu, as well as specific promotions such as all-you-can-eat chicken wings on Wednesdays and all-you-can-eat baby back ribs on Sundays.