Popular Rochester breakfast spot moving to bigger location

Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·2 min read
Adding on some syrup to the Chicken French, at the newly opened Toast Factory on Culver Road in Rochester.
Adding on some syrup to the Chicken French, at the newly opened Toast Factory on Culver Road in Rochester.

Less than a year after opening on Culver Road, a popular breakfast spot is heading to a new location at CityGate, a shopping and office plaza at the intersection of Westfall and East Henrietta roads.

The Toast Factory opened at 1322 Culver Road last summer. It specializes in sweet and savory spins on French toast, along with classic breakfast fare and mimosas.

"Size was always an issue, from the time we opened," said Keith Brown, who is now the restaurant's sole owner. "I thought that the size I had would work well, but I needed more space from the beginning."

The new space will double the size of the restaurant, from 1,500 square feet on Culver Road to 3,100 square feet in CityGate. The new space will also offer parking and a spacious patio.

"I had three choices and this space is definitely the best when it comes to traffic," Brown said. "The highway is literally two minutes from the building." He's looking forward to attracting customers from nearby colleges, hospitals and the Costco store that anchors the plaza.

Owner and chef Keith Brown preps strawberries in the kitchen at the Toast Factory.
Owner and chef Keith Brown preps strawberries in the kitchen at the Toast Factory.

First timers will find creations like the Chicken French: a pair of crispy fried chicken wings served alongside French toast topped with cubes of candied yams, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The Apples and Pork is French toast served with a pork chop that has been seared with brown sugar and butter, with cinnamon applesauce on the side.

The menu also includes breakfast classics like waffles, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, eggs, oatmeal and shrimp and grits.

Brown envisions the CityGate location having entertainment, happy hours and bar food, but details haven't been finalized.

Brown plans to operate on Culver Road until May 31, and open at 255 Westfall Road in CityGate in July. He said the space is turnkey, so he's going to keep the gap between locations as short as possible. "All I have to do is bring my furniture and paint," he said.

Tracy Schuhmacher covers Rochester's food and drink scene. Notice something open or close in your neighborhood? Send tips to tracys@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Toast Factory restaurant in Rochester NY moving to bigger location