Joyeaux Cafe (Downtown Vancouver)

Despite the fact that my downtown courses were taught literally three doors down from Joyeaux Cafe, I never ventured in, for whatever reason. I guess I never really felt the need, although I am always puzzled by those little cafes that seem to be wildly successful in such a cut-throat industry like the food and hospitality services in Vancouver.

Joyeaux Cafe, while I may have described this place as quaint, nothing further from the truth. With high ceilings and ample space, Joyeaux Cafe is one of those places I can’t wrap my head around. How can a place that offers breakfast all-day starting at $4.35 stay open when there are so many other restaurants downtown? I guess the service and the quality of the food help.

I went there with my friend Shawn Smith, co-founder of Global Agents for Change, for brunch before he returned to complete his MBA. I ordered a breakfast ($ 4.35) with scrambled eggs, potatoes and toast and ham. As I expected, it was good, similar to the kind of food I’d get at any other greasy spoon (like The Nice Cafe on Main Street or Theresa’s on Denman Street).