Small kitchen, big hearts

Published on June 26 2018

*This business has closed. The Outaouais Tourism’s team would like to thank Véronique and Patrick as well as the L’Aubergiste’s team. Thanks to their passion and their implication, the L’Aubergiste has greatly contributed to make the Outaouais region shine.

Auberge [obèrZ], feminine noun. A house, usually located in a village or small town, that provides lodging and food. To that definition you could add: “A friendly place where people meet and mingle.”

It was in a house built in 1870 that Ephraim Guimond, the innkeeper at the Symmes Hotel, ran a small tavern. Many years later, that same house is still welcoming guests, to the delight of Aylmer residents and visitors.

Véronique and Patrick, two of the four co-owners of L’Aubergiste bistro, are very fond of the community.

“Aylmer is a village. Everyone knows each other. Whenever I go shopping, I meet someone I know, “says Véronique.

Patrick likes customer service so much that he works as a server in two different restaurants! “What I like most about this job is that it’s never dull. Yes, there’s a routine, but it’s always different. My motivation is to make people happy,” he says.

The two agree on this aspect of the business: making people happy and not counting the hours it takes to do it. Véronique works five days a week from 10 a.m. to midnight. “We meet people, we take the time to chat. We’re a bit like psychologists. People need to talk. And I love it too!”

This relationship with customers has been built up and enriched over time. “When I look at the reservation book, I can’t wait,” adds Véronique enthusiastically.


And Véronique has energy to spare. “I’m a real workaholic. At 18, I was working five jobs. That’s how I roll.” This energy is balanced by her three colleagues. Two guys, two girls. “I couldn’t live without them! There’s a lot of administration involved. It’s a good thing there are four of us!” says Véronique. Patrick agrees.

When they’re asked what makes them most proud, they are unanimous: co-owning the restaurant. Véronique loves the freedom and quality of life, while Patrick reports that he has everything he ever wanted: “A restaurant, a house, friends and a family.”

+

Discover more inspiring profiles on our Ambassadors page!

Categories

Ambassadors

OTHER ARTICLES THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU
Share
Facebook Twitter Email