If Riverdale had a town square, Rooster Coffee House would be it. Every morning an army of parents line up for a shot of caffeine to recover from the chaos inherent in serving breakfast, packing lunches and taking the kids to nearby schools on time. Freelance writers with laptops and notepads share the long rustic table at the back to get their creative juices flowing. Meanwhile, retirees pass the time soaking up the small town coziness over their morning newspapers.
“Both my boyfriend and I are from small towns. We wanted to create a soft place for people to land and feel part of the community,” says Shawn Andrews, co-owner of Rooster Coffee House.
In a neighbourhood where corporate titans are ubiquitous, Rooster Coffee House’s bohemian charm stands out. When the temperature is warm, the sidewalk patio feels like a Parisian coffee shop with a breathtaking westerly view that slopes into Riverdale Park with the city’s skyline in the background.
