Touch of Europe coming to campus
A coffeehouse in the French tradition will add to Gould Street flavour
Balzac's cafe is coming to Gould and Bond Sts. in early 2012.
A touch of Europe is coming to campus with a Balzac's cafe in the School of Image Arts building.
The coffeehouse the Toronto Star called "impossibly gorgeous" will set up shop at Gould and Bond Streets on the main floor of the building that is currently under renovation.
"Balzac's is a perfect fit for Ryerson," said Julia Hanigsberg, vice-president administration and finance. "This is a very important location on campus and we wanted a fantastic cafe for our students, faculty and staff that would also be something special for the entire neighbourhood. I'm also delighted that we're able to work with a business that is local and owned by a woman."
The founder of the small chain says the company is honoured that it will be a part of the Ryerson campus.
"I've always admired Ryerson as an important part of Toronto and I'm very pleased that we've been selected," says Diana Olsen, who is appearing on CBC television's Dragon's Den Wednesday, September 14, encouraging the dragons to invest in her company.
Balzac's has developed a loyal following for its European atmosphere and design, great coffee and other beverages and French-inspired food. The company has Toronto locations in Liberty Village and the Distillery District, and other venues at Stratford, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Kitchener. Olsen is particularly excited to be close to the School of Image Arts, the Ryerson Gallery and Research Centre and its Black Star Collection of 350,000 historic photographs. The cafe will be decorated in a way that pays tribute to the adjoining hub of photography. And by chance, the signature floor tile of Balzac's features a recurring black star.
"The School of Image Arts location was particularly attractive for us, it ties into our brand so well, we're all about creativity," Olsen says.
Balzac's is named for the French novelist and playwright of the 19th century, who was inspired - and allegedly fuelled by - large amounts of black coffee as he wrote through the night.
The cafe is expected to have seating for about 50, with marble tables and cane chairs, and Olsen says student customers will be welcome to spread out their books and use the cafe for study and collaboration with their peers. Some tables and chairs will be set up outside, weather permitting, along with the large indoor seating area. Balzac's will hire Ryerson students to supplement their full-time staff complement. The cafe is expected to open in early 2012.
Beverages are the main feature of the coffeehouse, Olsen says, though 'slow food prepared quickly' will be featured at the Ryerson location. Grilled baguettes, quiche, salads and soups 'that balance quality and affordability' will be on sale. However the cafe is known for its coffee and other beverages, such as the popular citro-booster, a hot drink with lemon, cayenne and maple syrup.