#2 Behind The Mic: How Our Comedy Club Was Born from a Dream and a Podcast
How did The Corner Comedy Club come to be? It’s a question that can’t be answered in just a few words—there’s a lot to unpack. But let’s give it a shot and keep it short. The story begins with an idea, a lifetime of savings, and a leap of faith.
In the early days of smartphones, the way we consumed media changed forever. Podcasts became the next big thing, offering a wealth of entertainment at the tap of a finger. Among the many genres out there, Joe, the owner of The Corner, was drawn to comedy. He spent countless hours listening to the likes of Kevin Smith, Adam Carolla, Marc Maron, and Joe Rogan while doing everything from running errands to commuting.
What stood out most to Joe wasn’t just the laughs—it was the behind-the-scenes look into the world of stand-up comedy, especially the magic that happened in the clubs where these famous comics began their careers. As he connected with fellow comedy fans on social media, it felt like being part of a secret, a growing movement in comedy that was about to explode.
But when Joe went to check out the comedy scene in Toronto, he was disappointed. The city didn’t have a club that captured the essence of the comedy world he’d heard so much about. The vibe was missing, and there was no place that felt like a “cool spot” where comedy lovers could come together. That’s when the idea to open a comedy club in Toronto was born.
Joe didn’t have a blueprint for success, but he had determination. He crafted a 10-year plan to make his dream a reality. This meant stepping away from his stable job in construction, selling his home to raise capital, and diving into the unknown. His philosophy was simple: “Do what you can, and learn to do what you need to when the time comes.”Joe broke his plan into three key steps to get started.
1. Understand the Craft
In order to sell comedy, you have to live comedy. Joe spent a year performing stand-up—writing, testing out material, and, yes, bombing plenty of times. But those failures taught him invaluable lessons about the hustle, what it takes to get on stage, and how the industry really works from a comic’s point of view.
2. Start a Podcast
Joe’s love for comedy led him to start his own podcast, High On Trees. The show was an exploration of the comedy world, where Joe interviewed comedians, club owners, and industry insiders. All the while, he kept his plans for the club under wraps. Through conversations about show formats, booking tips, and the ins and outs of the comedy world, Joe learned what makes a comedy club thrive.
3. Produce Shows at Alternative Venues
Joe began organizing comedy shows at unconventional locations in Toronto. After witnessing the success of top comics like Ari Shaffir and Joe Rogan performing at secret venues, Joe saw an opportunity. He reached out to venue owners, offering to book top comedians, and soon, he was producing some of Toronto’s most talked-about comedy shows. Names like Duncan Trussell, Tom Segura, and Tony Hinchcliffe performed in hidden spots across the city. It was a glimpse of what could be—a space for local talent to shine and for big names to make their mark.
With the shows taking off, Joe realized something: Toronto had an incredible pool of local talent, but there was nowhere for them to perform regularly. Joe knew the time had come to find a permanent location for a comedy club. He traveled to different cities to study successful comedy venues, paying attention to everything from atmosphere to layout, music, and the overall guest experience.
One day, Joe was approached by an old colleague from his construction days, who mentioned a building in downtown Toronto that might be perfect for a comedy club. The building was located at the corner of Queen and John—the former home of Speakers’ Corner, the iconic TV show. And just like that, the name was born: The Corner Comedy Club.
With a year of planning and construction ahead of him, Joe faced countless challenges. There were moments when quitting seemed easier than pushing through, but Joe kept going. Using his 13 years of construction experience, he built the club with his own hands. Finally, on September 4, 2015, The Corner Comedy Club opened its doors—without a dime in the bank, no guarantee of success, and an eviction notice hanging over his head. But the club was born, and the journey began.
Today, The Corner is a staple of Toronto’s comedy scene. As we approach our 10th anniversary in 2025, we’re in our fourth location, just down the street from our original home at Queen and John. Joe continues to stay hands-on, responding to comics, staff, and guests alike with the same enthusiasm and commitment to community. Joe still responds to comedians making new moves in their careers with the same response he gave to every excited comic after their first sold-out show, “We’re just getting started.”
The Corner Comedy Club isn’t just a place to watch comedy—it’s a community, a space where memories are made, careers are launched, and everyone is part of something bigger. Join us as we continue to grow and bring the best in comedy to Toronto!