This sort-of-secret spot is serving Diet Coke slushies
Hank’s Chill is tucked inside a Dundas West jewellery store
Last summer, Desiree Girlato, owner of the Dundas West jewellery company Armed, decided to launch a line of fluffy frozen Diet Coke slushies served right in their own cans.
“I love Diet Coke, and I was really craving a slushie version,” says Girlato. “So I bought a machine, played around with the recipe and brought it to the store to see if anyone else was interested.”
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The frozen drinks sparked an immediate frenzy, and it didn’t take long before TikTok users began spilling the beans about the limited-time-only hidden gem tucked inside a jewellery store.
Cue the return of the slushie shop, now with an expanded menu, four machines and a name: Hank’s Chill.
“Our slushies became part of the identity and energy of the store during the summer months,” says Girlato. “Expanding into a full slushie concept was a natural evolution.”
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For now, Girlato is keeping things tight with a short lineup of handcrafted brain-freezers made with organic milk or 100 per cent fresh fruit juice. Alongside the original Diet Coke slushie, there’s a matcha version (available with a swirl of strawberry purée for an extra charge) and a piña colada iteration with tropical vacation vibes. Specials like strawberry lemonade and other seasonal flavours will rotate.
What does the future hold for Hank’s? Booze, of course. Girlato plans to open a stand-alone neighbourhood shop next summer, which will expand on the nostalgic 7-Eleven-inspired concept with a wider range of frozen drinks, including some more grown-up takes. An Aperol spritz slushie, perhaps? And within walking distance of Trinity Bellwoods Park? We certainly wouldn’t say no.
Erin Hershberg is a freelance writer with nearly two decades of experience in the lifestyle sector. She currently lives in downtown Toronto with her husband and two children.
