Maquis Yasolo is a local West African restaurant which sells an immersive culinary experience through decor and food celebrating the culinary heritage of diverse Black identities found in Quebec. This is all curated and co-owned by business owners Solange Pati and Alain Tanoh. We spoke with Pati to find out more about the flavourful work that they do.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Maquis Yasolo and we specialize in Afro-Quebec cuisine. Our mission is to promote this culture through its arts, including the culinary arts.
What made you want to do this work?
Introducing our culture to our Canadian-born youth, our new home
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Maquis Yasolo restaurant, located in Montreal, celebrates the culinary heritage of Afro-Quebecers. It offers an immersive experience with authentic and diverse African cuisine.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
The Maquis Yasolo restaurant attracts a diverse clientele, mainly made up of people interested in African cuisine and Afro-Quebec cultures. Located in Montreal’s Saint-Henri neighbourhood, it is frequented by local residents as well as visitors curious about traditional West and Central African dishes.
The restaurant is particularly popular among members of the African and Caribbean diaspora, as well as among wine lovers.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
The Maquis Yasolo restaurant generates income mainly through the sale of meals and drinks. Here are some key aspects of their business model:
On-site sales: Guests can dine at the restaurant and enjoy an immersive dining experience with traditional African dishes.
Takeout and delivery: Maquis Yasolo also offers takeout and delivery options through platforms like Uber Eats.
Special Events: The restaurant hosts special events and theme nights, attracting a diverse clientele and increasing revenue.
Catering: They offer catering services for both private and professional events, which is another source of income.
By combining these different sources of income, Maquis Yasolo manages to maintain a profitable business while celebrating the richness of African cuisine.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Maquis Yasolo restaurant is located at 3763 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H4C 1P8, in the Saint-Henri12 district. It is a great place to experience authentic African cuisine and enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What ingredients and cooking techniques do you use to ensure the authenticity and quality of your dishes?
At Maquis Yasolo, we are committed to using fresh and authentic ingredients, often imported directly from Africa to ensure the flavour and quality of our dishes. Our cooking techniques are traditional, passed down from generation to generation, which allows us to preserve the authenticity of each recipe.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part about what Maquis Yasolo does is celebrating and sharing the rich culinary heritage of Africa with the Montreal community. They provide an authentic dining experience that not only delights the taste buds but also educates and connects people to African culture. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and the use of traditional recipes and ingredients make dining at Maquis Yasolo a unique and memorable experience. The worst part, like many restaurants, could be the challenges they face in maintaining consistency and quality while managing operational costs. Sourcing authentic ingredients can be difficult and expensive, and the restaurant industry is known for its demanding nature and long hours.
Additionally, balancing the expectations of a diverse clientele while staying true to traditional recipes can be a complex task.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Here’s a fun joke about Maquis Yasolo: Why did the customer bring a ladder to Maquis Yasolo? Because they heard the food was out of this world!
Where can we follow you?
You can follow Maquis Yasolo on their social media platforms to stay updated on their latest offerings and events:
Facebook | Instagram | Website | TikTok
These platforms are great for checking out their latest dishes, special events, and more!
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
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