Eva's Original Chimneys

Kristin and Justin Butler became partners in life well before they decided to become partners in business. In 2014, they put everything on hold to embark on a year-long trip around the world together. The pair ended up in Hungary, where they visited family and reconnected with their roots. While in Budapest, they discovered a street food stand that sold traditional chimney cakes– if one single bite of sweet pastry can change lives, this was it. The Butlers looked at each other and realized that this experience was a defining moment not only for their career paths, but also for their relationship. “As we were leaving the city to come back to Canada, we thought why don’t we bring these things back and try to make a business out of it,” recalls Justin.

The couple returned to Toronto, determined and eager to produce traditional, all-natural pastries while showcasing their Hungarian roots, giving people a delicious glimpse into their heritage. Over a span of two years, thanks to perseverance and raw passion, the Butlers went from having no knowledge of the food truck industry (and succeeding at it) to transforming a run-down pizza joint into a permanent street location. By February 2017, Eva’s Original Chimneys opened its doors in the Annex, which was once a predominately Hungarian neighbourhood. In no time, it became a popular destination for both locals and visitors from around the world.