How Jesse Asido and his team came to be tireless promoters of Scarborough
business.
In 2020, during one of the most uncertain moments in recent memory, a simple idea took shape. At the height of the pandemic, as restaurants and small businesses across Scarborough struggled through lockdowns, Jesse Asido noticed something missing. There was no dedicated online platform consistently promoting Scarborough businesses during one of the most difficult periods they had ever faced.
Scarborough Spots began as a way to highlight local restaurants and bring attention to businesses that needed support. What started as an Instagram page quickly evolved into something much larger. It became a digital gathering place. A community hub. A reminder that Scarborough shows up for its own.
Today, Scarborough Spots is a proud member of the Scarborough Business Association, and Jesse also serves on our Board of Directors. That dual role reflects something important. The entrepreneurs helping shape Scarborough’s cultural identity are also helping guide its broader business direction.
When business owners invest not only in their companies but in community leadership, the entire ecosystem becomes stronger.
Building a social platform is one thing. Building trust is another. As Jesse shared, the biggest challenge was not creating content. It was earning credibility. Scarborough is not just a location. It is home. When you represent home, authenticity matters.
The turning point came when the community recognized the intention behind the brand. This was not about chasing views. It was about representing Scarborough the right way. That authenticity created momentum.
Over time, something else became clear. The perception of Scarborough has shifted. For decades, the narrative was often shaped externally, reduced to headlines that failed to capture the full picture. Today, pride in Scarborough feels louder and more visible than ever. Culture, entrepreneurship, and talent are being celebrated openly.
The move from digital platform to physical storefront reflects that shift. People now walk into the store and proudly wear Scarborough across their chest. Not as a statement of defiance, but as a statement of confidence.
For Cam, the store manager, the most meaningful part of the experience is not simply retail. “The best part of managing the store is the community, the friendships and bonds that have been created within. Our store is more than just retail. It’s about connecting with one another from the love we have for the city that made us.”
That perspective captures something powerful. The storefront for Scarborough Spots – located at Eglinton Town Centre – is not just commercial space. It is an extension of community.
Scarborough Spots has also translated that pride into tangible impact, raising funds for local hospitals and charitable initiatives. It shows that strong brands can strengthen the communities they serve.
Looking ahead, the growth continues. With the launch of The Scarborough Show on YouTube and Spotify, the platform is expanding into deeper storytelling, highlighting entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, and community builders shaping the borough’s future.
This is why the SBA highlights its members. Businesses like Scarborough Spots are not only generating economic activity. They are building culture, strengthening local pride, and creating collaboration opportunities across Scarborough.
We are proud to count Scarborough Spots among our membership and leadership, and we are excited for the partnerships and initiatives still to come. Scarborough is not waiting for validation. It is building its own platforms, its own brands, and its own future. And when identity becomes enterprise, the entire community benefits.
