Café Titanic

Patrick Meausette and Rob Hack opened Café Titanic on July 4, 1989, in an Old Montreal that was in full swing. Back then, there weren't a lot of chic cafes in the neighbourhood and the duo saw that there was potential for growth. "We started small. That's where the Titanic name comes from. It reminds you of something huge," says Patrick, who dared to be a trailblazer. He still vividly remembers the café's beginnings with enough space for only 12 seats.

The owners, both originally from British Columbia, met while they were students at McGill University. Patrick was studying politics and Rob was learning Chinese. So why the change of careers? "Where we come from, food was very important," replies Patrick.

The duo travelled widely, particularly in Germany where, for a while, they worked as caterers. It was there that they fell in love with the German take on cafés, with its emphasis on personalized service and sophisticated food. When they returned to Montreal, they acquired a charming little place on Saint-Pierre Street and set out on the Café Titanic adventure.