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deKEFIR
Categories: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Food Juice Bars & Smoothies Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Juice Bars & Smoothies [Edit]
333 Bay StToronto, ON M5H 2R2
Neighbourhoods: Financial District, Downtown Core
(647) 352-2220
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for deKEFIR
Review Highlights
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"I love the look, the decor, and above all, the kefir." In 12 reviews -
"deKefir is located directly below the Bay/Adelaide centre." In 3 reviews -
"and then a soft serve for the trip home." In 4 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Zaid S.
Toronto, ON
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you like ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies or KEFIR, a great place.
Kefir is like yogurt, but just uses a different bacteria to ferment the milk and tastes different. If I had to pin the taste down I'd call it a "clean" and "fresh" version of yogurt. They have shakes here, frozen yogurt, and something else which I'll reluctantly get to.
ALL their toppings are made in-house. So you're not going to find any ubiquitous junk here. At the same time, you'll find some really unique toppings such as pomellos, dragon-fruit and home-made granola. If you want a good balance between health and taste, ask them to sprinkle some "crackle bits" (also home-made) on top.
So yeah, tastes great and a worthy alternative to the standard Yogen Fruz frozen yogurts you're probably all sick off by now. The place is under the Bay-Adelaide Centre (the office building west across the grass from "South on Temperance") and is directly in front of you when you go down the escalators. It's only open just a bit past business hours so don't delay.
Now, here we get to the top secret stuff. Ever had a place that had something so good you didn't want it to become popular because they'd run out of it or the line-up would be too long? Well that's why I'm torn with respect to one of their items. I actually DON'T want to review it because they make it in limited quantities, takes a bit to prepare and I don't want to have to wait for it.
Well I guess I owe them this from all the good times they've given me, I'll do the "right" think for society and tell you about it.
Their waffles are the best in the city. Truly.
Something you wouldn't expect from a place like this, a simple frozen dessert type place, but there it is. I guess, actually, it IS something you'd expect since they had make everything. They only have one, perhaps two three at the max waffle irons, so they can't handle much in terms of volume, but if the place isn't packed it's well worth the wait. WELL worth it.
Let me tell you a story. I have a friend who likes NOTHING. Well, almost nothing. She's into fashion and usually likes more expensive things (notice I didn't say "finer"). When it comes to food, she's going to hate 99% of the things on the menu. She has some fashion blog and is very difficult to please.
So one day I suggest this place to her. Of course, right off the bat she doesn`t like Kefir. Big surprise there, her not liking something. So I immediately think it's a write-off for her, like most places. But then she tells me that she adores the waffles.
"The waffles?" I think, "just like her to dislike what the place is named for and like what is really just a side item." Ridiculous. She tells me to try them but I don't bother. It's called deKEFIR sweetie, not deWAFFLES.
Boy was I wrong. I took the plunge on a whim one day and haven't looked back. They have the PERFECT amount of crispy and the PERFECT amount of soft and this unique, ADDICTIVE flavor that so you're going to want seconds and thirds. I'm told they actually put Kefir IN them. That must be it because they're unique.
They're shaped perfectly so you can eat them by hand out of a small paper bag or they'll put it on a plate and dump toppings and Kefir on them. In any form, they're a treat. Thank God they take a while to make (like waffles tend to) or I'd have third and fourth servings every time.
So there you have it. My deep dark secret. But if I go there and see a massive line of people ahead of me, I'm going to be pretty pissed. I'll probably rewrite this review then, to say how much I them.
Will serve me right though, no good deed... On second thought, don't get them, they're terrible. ;). -
Review from Zoe C.
Toronto, ON
3/26/2012
The first thing that attracted me to deKefir was the name. I'm a yogurt fan of immense proportions, and kefir is one of my favorite probiotic beverages. To be able to order it, drink it, and eat all in one place was exciting to me. Once I went inside, I knew I was home.
Everything they serve is grown and produced right in Ontario, so it's all 100% locally grown and produced. Their snacks are made from all natural ingredients that are always in season, making it some of the healthiest foods and drinks you can consume in a restaurant.
The kefir smoothies, the initial reason I entered deKefir, are some of the most unique and delicious I've ever tasted. It's definitely better than anything I've found on a store shelf. Additionally, they have some creative combinations, including grapefruit and mint. Now, I don't particularly like grapefruit or mint, but this mixture had my taste buds dancing. Each time I go in, I try to pick something new, unless I'm having a specific craving for certain flavors. They also help you come up with your own creative combinations, which is a lot of fun.
Another bonus is when I need some free wifi, but it's too late in the day for coffee (it will keep me up all night). I will order a delicious kefir beverage, set up my laptop, and browse the web while sipping my delicious and nutritious smoothy. I've also met a lot of wonderful, like-minded people who enjoy the organic and healthy lifestyle, making some great friends I run into at deKefir on a weekly basis. It's great to go someplace where you know people. Even if you arrive alone, you know you'll be surrounded by friends.
Aside from the kefir, which I highly recommend, I also love their deKefir waffle for a good and healthy breakfast. When I'm craving a sweet snack, like ice cream, I decide to avoid the digestive issues associated with ice cream and similar treats and go in for their soft-serve frozen kefir. I've been eating it so long, I can't even stomach regular ice cream anymore. It just isn't the same, nor is it particularly satisfying. The soft-serve kefir uses organic cane juice, so I avoid the sugar crash that comes from processed sugars.
It's a relaxing, and friendly environment with delicious treats to satisfy cravings with wellness in mind. -
Review from Julia L.
Toronto, ON
1/29/2012
One word: YUM.
My sister Angela L. had a seriously weird obsession with trying kefir. So I dedicated a day to accompany her as she roamed through the PATH trying to find this hidden gem (somewhat ironically located beside a placed called "Preeners"). Based on some of the previous reviews, I was a little fearful that kefir would be too sour, too tangy, whathaveyou. But it was delicious! Really light and creamy, with just enough tartness to make it refreshing and not heavy like ice cream. I got a small serving with toasted coconut on top, which provided the perfect textural contrast of creamy and crunchy and the perfect flavour combination of sweet-sour-nutty-milky-delicious. The girls here are so nice - tell them if it's your first time and you can get a small sample before committing, which is always a bonus! I'll be back for you, deKEFIR, even without my kefir-obsessed sister in tow. -
Review from Angela L.
12/31/2011
I developed an unhealthy fixation with trying frozen kefir after stumbling across deKEFIR on Yelp. Frozen yogurt is one of my favourite foods, so I was excited by the prospect of trying its more exotic, probiotic laden cousin. My sister was weirded out by the number of times she would find me hunched over the computer looking at the deKEFIR website, and so agreed to accompany me to live out my frozen kefir dreams, even in the dead of winter.
We meandered through the PATH and finally found the storefront. It was quiet, so we had the full attention of the employees, who offered us samples and explanations (rendered unnecessary by my in-depth research). I ordered a frozen kefir with granola and my sister, a frozen kefir with shredded coconut. Then we sat and ate them.
I loved the taste and consistency of the frozen kefir, and while the granola was respectable, I would almost have preferred the frozen kefir on its own, or with a less toothsome topping. I'm all for textural contrasts, but the chewy and hearty granola interfered with the smooth and slightly sweet and just-the-right-amount-of-tangy frozen kefir in a way that I did not truly enjoy. I would have liked to try the crackle, but I wasn't quite sure what it looked like, and quickly tired of the guessing game where I would point at each individual topping and ask what it was only to be given a short, painfully obvious answer like, "that's All-Bran Buds." I guess an alternative would have been to just ask if they had the crackle, but clearly I was high on life.
I'll miss you while I'm on the other coast, deKEFIR. Until we meet again! -
Review from C Z.
Toronto, ON
5/5/2012
Kefir is a healthier "yogurt." I really hope this place is doing well and being able to attract average customers, not just healthy nuts. Everything they make is tasty and fresh.
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Review from J Y.
Toronto, ON
3/20/2012
After trying this place out, I'm convinced this "kefir" stuff is better than froyo.
I've been to a few froyo places, and to be honest, I'm not really all that impressed given how sweet or strange-tasting some of the flavors are. The kefir here, although somewhat strange after the first two bites, was quite tasty and to my liking. The girls serving it say others compare it to a slightly more sour/tart version of froyo. I guess that's how I like my froyo.
There are a lot of ingredients available as toppings. Any order, regardless of size, comes with one topping (I think the prices are $3.30 for a small, $4.40 for a medium, and $5.50 for a large). For an extra $1, they'll toss in 4 toppings.
Based on their recommendation, I tried their "crackle" topping. The only reason why I remember what the topping is called is because some of their customers say "it's as addictive as crack." I think it's made out of rice crispies cereal. Regardless of what it is, it's a good topping choice.
I'd definitely come back here. Just an FYI, it's along the PATH underground. If you're looking for it on street level, all you'll see is a large corporate bank building, so head inside, look for the escalator going down, and the store will be right in front of you. -
Review from Peggy W.
Markham, ON
1/21/2012 27 Check-ins Here
Having just been invested as Duchess of deKEFIR, it doesn't seem right to not give it a review.. On the other hand, I need to control myself so that my review doesn't turn into an extended squee-session about how exactly WHY I'm so proud to be the Duchess (and why I challenge all of you to threaten my Duchy). So here goes:
This is a shop specializing in kefir (i.e. milk with kefir grains added to it and fermented similar to yogurt)-- nestled in a corner of the Bay and Adelaide Centre's basement level. deKEFIR serves the following:
1) Kefir parfait--tangy and liquidy and includes one topping; if you pay an additional $1, you can choose up to 4 toppings. Comes in either Regular or Large size. Great for breakfast.
2) Frozen kefir--sweeter than kefir parfaits (but still on the tangy side if you're comparing it to frozen yogurt), served in a cup soft-serve style like froyo, includes one topping, and just as with kefir parfaits, you can choose up to 4 toppings if you pay an extra $1. Comes in 4 sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Meal. I've had this for a snack for too many times to count; so smooth, just the right balance of tanginess and sweetness. I sometimes even eat this as lunch (in which case I go large, or meal-sized if I feel like indulging myself spectacularly and still eat relatively healthfully.)
3) Kefir waffle--a cross between buttermilk waffles and Hong Kong style bubble waffles (Cantonese: gai dan jai, or "little eggs"). I think I tried this once a long time ago, it was pretty sweet, but I'm pretty much a fangirl of the kefir parfaits and frozen kefir.
4) Kefir smoothie--take kefir, add your toppings (or should I say "fillings"?), put them in a blender, and mix. I tried a pina colada smoothie (i.e. coconut + pineapple + kefir); it was very tasty, but I personally like to slowly savour foods, and I found that I eat smoothies a little too quickly to completely enjoy them (compared to the kefir parfait and frozen kefir).
deKEFIR has a selection of toppings that change depending on the season. Out of these toppigns, I wholeheartedly recommend the following (again, availability varies depending on season):
1) CRACKLE BITS (deKEFIR uses a secret recipe)
2) Walnut crunch
3) Toasted coconut + pineapple (yay pina colada~)
In conclusion--I pledge my loyalty to Valerie and Teresa, the Queens of deKEFIR, for giving PATH dwellers such a wonderful treat. -
Review from Kat D.
Toronto, ON
8/22/2011
My friend and I stumbled upon this kefir shop a few months ago. I never had kefir or even heard of it until we went here. The owners were very nice and very knowledgeable and they even offered to give us a free sample.
This tangy and sweet low caloried alternative to ice cream combined with your choice of topping is really worth your money. Of course, I have to have mine with chocolate chips but it is still an excellent combination.
The waffles are really good too. The texture isn't much different than a real waffle - maybe a little chewier but it is freshly made and truly delicious. You can have your waffle with a side - I had mine with nutella. Amazing.
Excellent service and really friendly staff! I highly suggest anyone in the area go down in the path and try kefir! -
Review from Susan C.
Toronto, ON
9/2/2011
This is the best substitution for those who cannot have frozen yogurt and is generally a great place to try for everyone. I'm a big fan of frozen yogurt, but after my friend introduced me to deKEFIR, this place is even better than all those other froyo stores out there. The texture of this frozen treat is amazing; you'll understand what I mean when your taste buds try this. The ladies behind the counter are extremely friendly and never rush you when you can't decide what topping to put on top.
Even if it is a little pricey, I'm obsessed. I'm trying to convince all my friends to come here now instead of to frozen yogurt! -
Review from Genevieve L.
Ottawa, ON
4/28/2011
Move over yogurt and HELLOOOOOO KEFIR!!!
This place is such a breath of fresh air for Toronto! I love the look, the decor, and above all, the kefir.
I'll admit, my first taste of kefir was a little shocking. It's like yogurt, but a little more on the sour side. But by the third bite, I was in love! If you find the kefir too sour, then try their frozen kefir- it's much sweeter. Nice thing about it was that even though I didn't eat it right away, it kept it's shape and hardly melted by the time I did get to it.
Their selection of toppings is amazing. You must try the crackle and the granola - both are made in-house. The crackle is a secret recipe, so it's one of those things that you want to keep trying to figure out what it's made of because it's sweet and crunchy, but not too sweet or too crunchy. Their fresh fruit selection isn't always the same, but it's always fresh. I think they have the sweetest fruits I've ever tasted!
Also, I am a huge fan of waffles, so of course I had to try it... And it is SO GOOD! Unfortunately, when I brought it back to work, I wasn't able to eat it right away so it got cold, but it was still very tasty.
Thirsty? Try their shakes. I've only tried the mango shake, but I'm sure the others are just as good. It was refreshing and I like that you can see exactly what goes into it.
And last but not least, this place is probably one of the cleanest. They clean up any spills or messes right away and wipe down the tables almost as soon as they are vacated. -
Review from Gary G.
6/1/2011
I had never had frozen kefir before heading down to the PATH (on Yelp's suggestion, of course), but I was pleasantly surprised when I did show up. The kefir has all the delicious tang of high-quality frozen yogurt, only without a bit of the creamy richness I'm used to. Yet this is hardly a trade-off, considering an already-light food has been perfected into something even less calorie-heavy. The formula balances sweetness with tanginess perfectly, using only organic cane sugar, and it was wonderful. I had watermelon, the crackle, pineapple and the granola, and the other reviewers were proven right: the crackle is wonderful.
Aside from being a little pricey -- in the context of the PATH's food options, it's not that bad -- deKEFIR is great. The ladies who own the place were super friendly and excited to talk to me, noticing I was a new customer, and kept up a fun conversation about how addicted people are to the crackle. Apparently, if you get there at the right time, you can get it warm. Sounds delicious to me!
If you're looking for a light, tasty, cold snack, you can't do much better than deKEFIR. I'll definitely be returning!Listed in: Calories in the City
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Review from Joan L.
Mississauga, ON
11/21/2010
After lunch one day, a friend of mine suggested to get something for dessert ... and that was how I was introduced to this delightful shop. I am very thankful for there was no way I would have found this corner ... (P/S: It is in the corridor that links the Bay Adelaide center and Scotia Plaza - a few stores down the Second Cup).
I am lactose intolerant and can't handle ice cream well. Also, I don't eat anything too sweet or creamy. deKEFIR fit the bill perfectly - it was sweet yet tart (good contrast and balance), frozen yet soft, clean and fresh (not too creamy) and best of all, HEALTHY! All the ingredients were fresh and can be customized .... granola, fruit etc.
You can choose from smoothie / parfait / waffle / soft serve. I sampled the soft serve without any trimmings and quite frankly, it tasted delicious all on its own. You can't say that for plain yogurt (or at least, I can't). I ate the waffle and it has spoiled me - I don't think I can eat the ones at Pacific Mall again. :)
The ladies are super friendly and will spend the time to give you advice on what ingredients will go well together as well as a brief description on how each product differs. I really should go back for a granola parfait for breakfast soon ... and then a smoothie for the afternoon walk ... and then a soft serve for the trip home. Hehehehe. -
Review from Esther C.
Mississauga, ON
I am a big fan of soft serve desserts; and now a huge fan of soft serve kefir. Like the 1st review written - something innovative! Soft serve kefir here is tart and has a cleaner taste compared to regular frozen yogurt. I'm dairy sensitive but this seems to agree with me. It's a nice light snack.
There are plenty of toppings to choose from. An extra $1 for 4 toppings for any size is a good option; they pile it high! The toppings change regularly, as they try to offer seasonal fruit as well. Try watermelon, plum and grapes for something different. Homemade granola is a must. Oreo cookies and Crunch'n'Munch are fun for something sweet in the afternoon. There are a variety cereal and nut toppings too.
The waffles are tasty, best eaten when they are hot and fresh!
They are located at the bottom of the elevators of the Bay Adelaide Centre; don't go looking in the food court! -
Review from Janna S.
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I nearly missed this location but I'm so glad I finally tried Frozen Kefir! I like the tart and tangy taste of this tasty treat; it's not quite as sweet as frozen yogurt but it pairs well with many toppings. I had blackberries on mine and it was delicious.
It's too bad this location is closed on weekends because I'd gladly drop by for a generous helping. deKefir is located directly below the Bay/Adelaide centre. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
10/28/2010
Whoever you see reviewing this place, they either live something along the PATH or they work in the building above deKEFIR, and then you have Yelp users following an address that leads to this Financial District building looking like street-corner bums going inside the door running away from the security guards to go down the escalator which leads you directly to deKEFIR.
A small shop somewhat Mon Berri Chic but this place works around the Finance brains within the area therefore it closes 6 pm EARLY. It opens Mon-Fri 7 am and they probably intended it that way as the selection I choose made that perfect sense.
Introduced by the lady we got a tasting of plain Kefir which is as healthy if not healthier than plain Yogurt. It has the consistency of Yogurt more than Soft-Serve and a bit of tartness to go along with it making your mind feel the natural healthiness.
Soft-Serve Kefir w/Granola($4.40/medium) was a perfect afternoon snack but at the same time I could see it as a light healthy BREAKFAST. The Granola was roasted to savoury perfection that offset the tartness of the Kefir. Granola is made in-house and I liked it considering I normally don't eat anything Granola related but it even looked good, so I risked it and WON.
It's not as inexpensive of McDonald's version Yogurt Parfait which taste more like Gelatin hybrid than Yogurt. Those Hedgers & Dealers upstairs can afford something like this in their sleep anyways, so price shouldn't be an issue in the immediate neighbourhood.Listed in: 4+ ****Stars****, Desserts - Frozen
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 2/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Still as amazing as the first time, and while I didn't go for a waffle, the pomelo was ever as good as the lovely staff claimed.
Thanks for the sticker for my growing computer collection and for the stamp card. Spend 5 bucks six times over and you're that much closer to winning a pair of scooters. I'm keeping my eye on Vivek S - he's got one of them-there stamp cards and I've already called dibs on the second "Fly" ride.Listed in: Toronto Musing
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/27/2010
It was a hike, a trek, a scavenger hunt of sorts, through the long and lanky labyrinth towards… Read more »
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Review from Angela S.
Etobicoke, ON
5/5/2011
My colleagues and I decided to try this place out today and it was definately a positive experience. I myself enjoyed the kefir frozen yogurt with pineapple which was very fresh and surprisingly filling. I'm not a big fan of sweets so for me it was the right amount of sweet to sour ratio.
My male colleagues however felt that it was not sweet enough despite adding sugar filled toppings ie cookies, smarties etc. To each their own perhaps when it comes to fresh yogurt vs. laura secord.
The owners were very helpful and educated us on their product. They let us test out the kefir frozen yogurt before we took the plunge. You could tell that they really believed in their product and were happy to share it with others.
I'm definately a fan and will be visiting more often when I need a dairy kick during the hot summer months. -
Review from Yvonne T.
Updated - 2/25/2011
Review Update:
Kefir Waffles
Stay away from these, because of the fermentation process of kefir, the waffles have a sour tartness to them that I do not enjoy in an HK Style "Egg Waffle" - which is what they're trying to imitate. Stick with the real stuff at PMall instead!
Otherwise, the Kefir was still as good as the first time I tried it, and its a nice alternative as a treat that doesn't pile on as much fat as ice cream does.Listed in: The Best of Toronto, What's the deal?, Spot the white-collars!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/28/2010
Recently opened (only 6 weeks young) and already I can see why they are getting quite the loyal… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
10/30/2010 5 photos
I think deKefir really hoping people in the area will be eating their products for breakfast/lunch/snacks. They opens as early as 7 AM and this is really early for a frozen treat place.
The staffs here are so friendly, we were offered a free sample right when we walked into the store. Yes it taste like healthy food... not too sweet and I don't think kids would like it. +0.5 star
Dress it up with fresh fruits and their house made granola and you have an instant healthy snack!
Their deKefir twist on waffles sounds interesting which they use deKefir as batter, which I will try next time when I come here!
deKefir for sure is another excuse for me to eat more desserts and that are good for me! As their website state that it has more bacteria than yogurt and is great for my stomach! :P WIN WIN situation....+ 0.5 starListed in: Dessert! Dessert! I want…, Icecream! Gelato! Fro Yo!
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Review from dave o.
Pickering, ON
4/27/2011
I am a virgin, to this place and eating a lovely large meal size frozen with pineapple, blackberry, granola & bran.
By far this is the best tasting yogurt I have ever had.
Also the two ladies (owners or staff) explained everything very well.
I will be back many more times
thanks for another new food adventure -
Review from Jaime Y.
Toronto, ON
3/1/2011
My favorite stop in the PATH.
Kefir is a fermented milk product that offers up good-for-you bacteria to help regulate your stomach. Alone it's fantastic, but when it's frozen with a bit of organic cane sugar it is AMAZING! deKefir is my guilty-pleasure without the guilt. Healthy bacteria cultures? No hidden additives or preservatives? Fresh seasonal fruit on top? What's not to love!
Frozen is my favorite way to have it: the flavor is fresh and a bit sour/sweet, top it with fresh fruit and my taste buds are jumping for joy. Try the "crackle bits", dried coconut, mango and pomegranites.... DROOL!
The price is comparable to YogenFruz, I think the price ranges from $4 - $8 for a "meal" size. -
Review from Andrew S.
North York, ON
9/2/2011
Got some with a Groupon. Was better than I imagined. Deliciously light, flavorful and subtlety different. Will go back as my office is about 100 steps away.
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Review from Sarah L.
North York, ON
10/6/2010
I visited the new Bay Adelaide centre outpost, deKEFIR today at lunch and what a treat it was. deKEFIR is kefir concept cafe that specializes in frozen kefir, kefir parfaits and kefir waffles. If you are not familiar with kefir, it is a fermented milk product prepared with milk and kefir grain. It tastes a bit tangy like Greek yogurt if you need a reference. Back to deKEFIR- this is an entrepreneurial start-up by two girls and they did a fabulous job on the interior design, branding and decision to go out on a limb and choose kefir as the star product. The frozen kefir was great. I had it on its own and will certainly be back to try it with toppings as well as taste a kefir waffle. If you are coming from the Bay Adelaide centre it is right at the bottom of the escalator. If you are coming from the path instead of continuing to Scotia Plaza take a right down the hall with the Second Cup and you'll find it! I hope this business does well enough to expand in Tdot. Good to see something innovative.
