There are few locations that embody the history and culture of Guelph more than the intersection of Macdonell and Wellington streets so it is easy to see why Josh Blackler and Craig Rolland, owners of Robusta Café & Lounge, considered it an ideal place to set up shop.
“When they saw this spot with the condo being built and it being elevated above the street level it was very appealing,” said manager Katie McColl. “The large patio and the view of the river give a good vibe.”
The café is at the base of River House, the first in a series of new condominium towers that are destined to dominate the city’s modern skyline and it overlooks the site where, in 1827, city founder John Galt felled the first tree establishing the settlement of Guelph.
The collection of black and white photographs of historical Guelph that hang on the wall of the café reflect Blackler and Rolland’s respect and affection for the city’s history and character but they initially had some difficulty communicating Robusta’s Royal-City pedigree to potential customers.
“The general consensus was that we were part of this big chain from Toronto and that the guys were Bay Street lawyers or something but they’re not,” said McColl. “They are kind of blue collar guys who were born and raised in Guelph.”
McColl and her staff are also from Guelph and most of the items on their menu are locally sourced.
“We try to get as much as we can locally,” she said. “Our coffee is local. We get our meat and cheese locally. We try to do as much as we can to give back into our own town. As people start to realize that we are independent and locally owned they’ll be more inclined to come back and visit us a little more often.”
Many of their loyal customers are condo residents but as word has spread about the intimate atmosphere, the extensive wine list and the selection of craft beers their customer base has grown.
“It’s not somewhere you’d come and get rowdy,” said McColl. “It’s quiet so you can hear each other when you talk. We have wi-fi so we have students during the day that come and study and that’s awesome.”
The cafe is a stone’s throw from the River Run Centre, the Sleeman Centre and the city core.
“It’s a place where people can sit and have a glass of wine before they go to a show at the River Run or before a Storm game or just on a date night kind of thing,” said McColl. “We are looking to have live music and get more of that lounge vibe going.”
The atmosphere and prime location has made it a popular place for private events and parties.
“We have already done a few engagements parties, a bridal shower and we have a Christmas party every week from now until Christmas Eve,” said McColl. “This is our home and we want people to feel like this is a home for them too.”
Robusta Café & Lounge
Opened: Aug. 27, 2016
Owners: Josh Blackler and Craig Rolland
160 Macdonell Street Unit 101B
Guelph Ontario
519 265-2655
