The third incarnation of popular café-cum-restaurant chain Le Gourmand (affectionately known as LG3) has unexpectedly closed due to evasion of rent, according to a notice in its window. “The Yonge and Eglinton location didn’t work out for various reasons,” owner Milton Nunes tells us. “The area wasn’t ready for it. Everyone in the building just bought half-a-million-dollar condos, so they can’t afford to come buy their $3 coffees in the morning.” Fans of the bistro’s baked goods and pastries (a number of Chowhounders agree that Le Gourmand provides standout cookies) can rest assured that the two other locations are doing fine—“stronger than ever,” according to Nunes—and that “within the next year, you’ll see more Le Gourmands opening up.”
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I (used to) go to the Spadina location. They’ve undergone at least one change in management, but the terrible service has been remarkably consistent, so they’re obviously working at it. They’ve got two cash registers from which they can dish attitude. Lineups always result in total chaos. And let’s be clear: this isn’t jolly, friendly neighborhood chaos. It’s bitchy, stressed-out chaos. No planning, no system. Once you’ve ordered, you just mill around and maybe someone will bring your food to the counter at some point. If you and someone else happened to have ordered the same thing? Total mayhem. It’s like they never thought that might happen. Genius.
And you can be sure they’ll blame *you* for the confusion, and some 21 year old hipster coffee server will give you a withering look. Which only makes sense because, after all, he’s a super cool dude and you are, um, just a stupid customer who’s ruining his day with your constant demands for coffee and food.
Yeah, the cookies are good. But no cookie is worth all that. Not any more. Seriously. Good luck, fellas.
April 21, 2011 at 5:47 pm | by CharlesHi Charles,
it is disappointing to hear that certain staff don’t understand the importance and value of customer service. I can assure you that the person you are referring to will never serve another one of our customers again.
It has always been our intent to serve our customers in a timely manner with all the respect you deserve. We hope that you return and don’t hold one persons poor attitude towards the rest of the team. Our sincerest apologies and we hope to see you again.
July 25, 2011 at 10:36 am | by Staffer