Introducing: Leslieville Pumps, Toronto’s only barbecue joint that’s also a gas station
Brothers Greg Flom (Chief Tasting Officer) and Judson Flom (chef) (Image: Karolyne Ellacott)
Bringing something novel to jaded Torontonians is a pretty tall order. By the looks of it, though, that’s just what brothers Greg and Judson Flom have done with Leslieville Pumps, an east-end establishment that blurs the lines between independent gas station, general store and, yes, barbecue sandwich shop. Says Greg, “We really wanted to create an environment and experience that Toronto hasn’t yet seen.”
A few years ago, while Greg was “living the life” in Vancouver, Judson was working on a midtown restaurant opening that never quite got off the ground. Despite a background in higher-end food—honed at Oliver and Bonacini and The Chef Upstairs —Judson’s true love has always been barbecue. “My smoker has always been my baby,” he says. When the life-long entrepreneurs—who got their start selling candy at recess—heard that a station was for sale, they jumped on it, basing their concept loosely on Oklahoma Joe’s in Kansas City. A gas station since 1957, the Queen East building required a complete do-over. Inspired by the look of Kawartha cottages where their childhood summers were spent, they engaged carpenter Lucas Kanup to custom-build everything, using cottage country wood. Inside, the space is full of kitschy details: tabletops house old photographs and newspaper clippings; vending machines resemble vintage gas pumps; cottagey knick-knacks sit high up on shelves; custom-made retro Pepsi-Cola signs mark their fridges. And, of course, out front there’s a pair of red Muskoka chairs, providing a view of the pumps which, we’re told, pump gas at least 2.5 cents cheaper than elsewhere.
While the station is open 24/7, the kitchen itself runs from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the brisket being a particular point of pride: the beef is smoked for 14 hours using a mix of hickory and cherry hardwood and cubed till it’s falling apart. Piled onto a fresh bun, it’s then topped with crispy sweet onions, grainy mustard and house barbecue sauce ($7.74). A smoked salmon bagel is made using cold-smoked fish from Hooked , dill cream cheese, red onions and capers ($5.84). Fries are fresh-cut, and have been given the 45-minute post-fry taste test—essential, we’re told, for take-out orders ($2.99). Finally, for night owls, there’s an authentic late-night curry, courtesy of Sri Lankan staff member Mary.
140160 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Barbecue corn salad ($3.49): kernels from the cob, grill and then mixed with barley, onion, red pepper and a secret rub Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps22.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps22/ may12leslievillepumps22 0 0
Barbecue corn salad ($3.49): kernels from the cob, grill and then mixed with barley, onion, red pepper and a secret rub
140159 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Fresh cut fries ($2.99): made from five-to-six-month old Russet potatoes and fried in canola oil Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps21.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps21/ may12leslievillepumps21 0 0
Fresh cut fries ($2.99): made from five-to-six-month old Russet potatoes and fried in canola oil
140158 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Corn fritters with creole sauce ($3.99): a Souther classic, but actually inspired by their mom’s recipe. “She’s a fantastic chef, with an excellent palate,” says Judson Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps20.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps20/ may12leslievillepumps20 0 0
Corn fritters with creole sauce ($3.99): a Souther classic, but actually inspired by their mom’s recipe. “She’s a fantastic chef, with an excellent palate,” says Judson
140157 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Brisket sandwich ($7.74): smoke for 14 hours (same wood) and topped with a onion ring–like crispy onions Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps19/ may12leslievillepumps19 0 0
Brisket sandwich ($7.74): smoke for 14 hours (same wood) and topped with a onion ring–like crispy onions
140156 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Pulled pork sandwich ($7.74): slow-cooked for 14 hours in hickory and cherry hardwood smoked and topped with homemade coleslaw Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps18/ may12leslievillepumps18 0 0
Pulled pork sandwich ($7.74): slow-cooked for 14 hours in hickory and cherry hardwood smoked and topped with homemade coleslaw
140155 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps17/ may12leslievillepumps17 0 0
140154 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps16.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps16/ may12leslievillepumps16 0 0
140153 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps15/ may12leslievillepumps15 0 0
140152 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps14/ may12leslievillepumps14 0 0
140151 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Not your usual gas station take-out bags Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps13.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps13/ may12leslievillepumps13 0 0
Not your usual gas station take-out bags
140150 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps12/ may12leslievillepumps12 0 0
140149 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Grab-and-go food Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps11.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps11/ may12leslievillepumps11 0 0
Grab-and-go food
140148 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps10.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps10/ may12leslievillepumps10 0 0
140147 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) A gas pump–shaped vending machine, alongside custom-made retro Pepsi-Cola signs Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps9.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps9/ may12leslievillepumps9 0 0
A gas pump–shaped vending machine, alongside custom-made retro Pepsi-Cola signs
140146 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps8.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps8/ may12leslievillepumps8 0 0
140145 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) The general store is filled with many, many sweet things Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps7.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps7/ may12leslievillepumps7 0 0
The general store is filled with many, many sweet things
140144 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) More nostalgia tripping Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps6.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps6/ may12leslievillepumps6 0 0
More nostalgia tripping
140143 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) The tabletops are filled with old photos of the Pump, and newspaper clippings from Toronto (including a <em>Toronto Star</em> from ’58 and a WWII-era Globe and Mail) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps5.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps5/ may12leslievillepumps5 0 0
The tabletops are filled with old photos of the Pump, and newspaper clippings from Toronto (including a Toronto Star from ’58 and a WWII-era Globe and Mail)
140141 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) The pumps themselves are, of course, still in full working order Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps3.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps3/ may12leslievillepumps3 0 0
The pumps themselves are, of course, still in full working order
140140 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) The view along Queen East Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps2.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps2/ may12leslievillepumps2 0 0
The view along Queen East
140139 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) The brothers Flom have turned a gas station into an old-fashioned general store and barbecue joint Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps1.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps1/ may12leslievillepumps1 0 0
The brothers Flom have turned a gas station into an old-fashioned general store and barbecue joint
140138 (Image: Karolyne Ellacott) Brothers Greg Flom (Chief Tasting Officer) and Judson Flom (chef) Introducing: Leslieville Pumps https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12LeslievillePumps_intro.jpg 656 438 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-leslieville-pumps/slide/may12leslievillepumps_intro/ may12leslievillepumps_intro 0 0
Brothers Greg Flom (Chief Tasting Officer) and Judson Flom (chef)
Leslieville Pumps, 929 Queen St. East, 416-465-1313, leslievillepumps.com, @LPumps
Too cool!!! I’m yes to the food but wondering who supplies them their gas.
Everything so attractive. I wish it was close to my work place so that I can go there for lunch every day. But I will go there sometimes during the weekend.
Thank Toronto Life introducing this lovely place to us. We’ll try.
LOVE this place, I eat there way too often!
Amazing pulled pork sandwich, and a cheery cottage country feel right in the city!!
Oh no – the secret is out! You won’t be disappointed.
Fabulous gas station I’ve ever been to plus super dilicious pulled pork and chicken sandwiches.
I LOVE IT.Can not wait to try it.
Yummy, but WAAAAAY overpriced. If they dropped the price from $8 for a sandwich to $5, I would be a frequent visitor. Tiny sandwich, crappy poutine for $13 take out from a gas station? Drop the prices.. this place would be packed.
What a transformation – it was such a sad, wretched variety store before they turned the decor all hipster country general store. The sandwiches are delicious – the poutine, not so much. I do wish they had better hours, especially since the gas station is open 24 hr. Why not open from 8am to 10pm instead of 6am to 8pm?
BEST PLACE EVER! SO AWESOME! Love the owners to, pretty awesome people from what I can see!
FINALLY, artisan gas!
Breakfast Sandwhich
Breakfast Sandwhich
Breakfast Sandwhich!
So, is it Oklahoma or Kansas City style? Maybe it’s Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Memphis, California or some other hybrid variation? Necessary info.
As a business owner in the area I am so pleased to see this gas station take a new turn. It is clean, charming, and a great addition to Queen East. Leslieville has a unique charm that is hard to find and the more independent business we introduce and support the better!
This place is amazing! The food is fantastic (especially the brisket and pulled pork) and the owners/staff always greet you with a smile. The prices may seem high to some but are completely in line with the area. Not to mention free parking and cheap gas! It is a no brainer really!
Check it out – you won’t be disappointed.
Tried both the beef and the pork with my partner the other day and whilst they were good sandwiches, $17 with tax is a bit steep when it was mostly bun.
Also watch out if you pay for your gas with cash, they like to keep the change unless you ask for it back.
Great concept…make gas stations fun. Nice work!
Cheerful and delicious…the venue, the food,and the friendly, happy owners.
Worth the drive and the stop.
Love the artisan gas comment
Do you also swear to everyone that your not a hipster?
Just had the beef brisket sandwich to go – it was disappointing. The meat was too dry, the house BBQ sauce and grainy mustard was almost not there. They could triple the amount of these and it would be good. And the same goes for the crispy onions – more please. I go there all the time for gas and I like what is being attempted here by the new owners, but don’t skimp on the condiments – that doesn’t win go-backs for more. I would have asked for more if I had eaten it there, but it was a take-home. I will try a different sandwich again – I hope it is a better one than this time.
I just went back for gas and food. The gas was about 3 cents less than any other gas station nearby. That’s good. This time I got the pulled pork sandwich. It was GREAT!! Lots of meat, I asked for extra BBQ sauce, and their cole slaw is just right – mayo and vinegar combined with more variety of vegys in a cole slaw than I usually find – and I there were mustard seeds in there too – very nice. You will find the cole slaw in the sandwich, but I got a container of cole slaw on the side too. While I was there I met Greg and Judson and you couldn’t meet nicer guys – and they were interested in all my comments. In spite of my earlier comments here about the beef brisket sandwich, I highly recommend giving the Leslieville Pumps and General store and Kitchen a try – a welcome innovation in Leslieville. Way to go Greg and Judson.
Don’t go for the coffee, they just don’t have that consistently right.
Don’t go for the coffee, they just don’t seem to have it consistently right. Some days it is on and others it taste like sewer water. Good attempt at something different, now they need to follow through on quality.
I eat there a couple times a week. Their arrival in the hood is simultaneously the best and worst thing to happen to me. Great for my taste buds not so gr8 for my belt line. It is so good sometimes I catch myself just daydreaming about it. If you love BBQ the brisket sandwich will be your new best friend. Best sanni in Toronto hands down. Wonderful staff. Want something a little different or special? They’ll hook you right up-just ask. All around amazing BBQ experience.