Founded in 1996 in Stratford, each of the 14 Balzac’s cafés embrace the unique history and culture of neighbourhood in which it finds itself, through décor, art and food options.
Diana Olsen, president and founder of Balzac’s, top, was inspired by French cafés after she studied in Paris, which led her to pursue the craft of coffee-roasting and bean selection at the West Coast Specialty Coffee Training Institute in San Francisco.
Rosana Ren prepares a latte at Balzac's Powerhouse café.