La Buvette du Dep｜Griffintown — Restaurant in Montreal

I don't think it's just because I was in food service for 15 years that I expect better than this. But here we go:

*Service is incredibly slow: It took nearly 20 mins to get my coffee drink. I understand someone was being trained, but it was for the person doing the training to say to the customers "they're in training, this could take a longer than usual" not just ignore that we're standing there. Also, when tickets line up, it's for that staff member to take over and get the customers their orders quickly and train when it's slower. This was probably the exception not the rule to service.

Staff would disappear: There was one staff member for 2 floors (1st and 3RD) so they were constantly having to leave one floor or the other to take care of customers. The server seemed more than capable of handling the amount of customers on two floors, but not being there when a customer needed them. (Note to owners: this caused people to choose not to order at all and some to leave. That's money for you and your staff flying away.)

Rude enforcement of rules: my friend opened her computer to show me something and we were told that if we wanted to work, that's what the 3rd floor was for. We explained that she was just showing me something, we weren't working and he repeated himself and stood there until the computer was put away. There were no visible signs that computers cannot be used in any way on the 1st floor. I did notice one, the size of a coaster, on another table on the way out.

This same employee slapped down a reserved for X time (i.e. in 15 minutes) on the table. Having someone say, "Excuse me, we have a large party coming in and we're going to need these tables. Can I help you move to another?" isn't too much to ask for. They removed the signs 5 mins later and set up the table elsewhere. The place was not busy, that space could have (and should have) been confirmed before disturbing us.

It seemed like this staff member was coming in for their shift. They clearly had no idea how much money we'd spent before they got there and just saw us with water glasses on the table and made a judgement/decision to treat us accordingly.

ALL of that said: The staff member who was there on my arrival was delightful (5⭐). He was personable, informed and managed the floor well.

The place is very pretty. The third floor is really beautiful and peaceful and I would have loved to come back to work from there.

The food, though prêt à manger, was good.

So there you go. Basically an open letter...

I used to enjoy coming here to do some focus time in the coworking area, the employees were sweet and solid, they brought the drinks to the table, and everything was dandy.

Food was never really good (unless you buy the prepackaged snacks). Some cookies were alright, but the scones were always very doughy and the lunch food was never fresh.

But something has happened, the service has just changed. They are now reserving upstairs for events and don't handle the mix of cowork/cafe vibe very well.

There's one specific employee that is such a stickler for the rules that is border line annoying. I ordered a drink and sat down in the cafe area because upstairs was closed, then after the drink is brought to me, the strict employee comes and tells me I need to move because its only a specific area we can have laptops, so I was wondering why the employee that brought the drink didn't tell me. Then another one comes and tells me (about 30 minutes later) that laptops are not allowed past 4pm. I just don't understand, it just sounds like mishandling of logistics and not caring for the impact it has on experience.

Another time when the upstairs was booked I waited for 45 minutes for my drink, then when I went to see what happened, I was visually acknowledged so I gave them space, they did look busy, then another 15 minutes later I just did the line again, told them, waited, then sat down. In this case, they were also just rude and I think I was more than patient.

I know the laptop customers are not the favourite at coffee shops and I understand mishaps, but I just find the staff has gotten slightly rude, and the experience is no longer...

I love this cozy place ! It's my to go place whenever I want to leave the house, wether to do some work or meet up with friends ! The staff is really friendly, and their drinks are good and reasonably priced.

While I fully understand the reason of limiting wifi and the laptop free zone due to those spending all their day with one empty coffee cup on their table, I find it inconvenient for workers like me who come here just to change scenary ! After implementing this new rule, I personally don't feel comfortable coming here with a laptop because I'd feel judged the minute I take my laptop out of my bag ! I feel some people are being penalised by the behaviour of others. I am saying this because I love this place.

If I had to suggest an idea, I would make the whole place laptop free on weekends and maintain the place as coffee/work space during the week.

Not to forget that summer and beautiful weather is coming, and as a Montrealer, I know I will be spending most of my time outdoors, so I wonder what impact would the new rule have on the occupancy of the space during summer, just food for thoughts from a client who is loyal to Le Petit Dep.

My opinion doesn't change the fact that it's such a beautiful place to go to...