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HistoryMQ: So if you were given 30 seconds, could you briefly describe Lucullus?
Stone: It's a family run business that has been 25 years, opened our first store in 1990. It's a bakery with different kinds of food at a reasonable price and deliciousness. MQ: While we are at it, could you tell us a little more about its history? 25 years is a long time. Stone: Sure. When my parents first came to Canada from Hong Kong, they decided to open a bakery store. Our first store was at 14th and Kennedy, which it was just half the size of what it is now. We later bought the other store beside it. One year later, we open our second store at Highway 7 and Bayview. And 20 years later, we open one in Downtown Toronto, right by Ryerson University. There were originally 3 chefs with us. Now we have expanded to 30 chefs and 50 staff in total. MQ: Were you helping when they opened the first store? Stone: I wasn't even born yet! [haha, I forgot how young he was!] I was born in 95, I'm 21 this year. The success is everyone's hard work, especially my parents, being at the store more than 12 hours a day. |
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Uniqueness
MQ: What's unique about Lucullus? What differentiates you from other Hong Kong style cafe?
Stone: Quality is what enables us to keep going for 25 years. We pay close attention to every detail that goes into the baking process , such as the temperature, humidity and timing. We as owners are also heavily involved in the kitchen. However, we also give the chefs space for them to be creative. Recently, we won the prize at the Donut Showdown broadcasted at the Food Network.
We also have very experienced chefs, some have 30 years of experience to work with us. Almost everyone has been with us for more than 10 years. We care about our staff with good pay and we never paid a day late!
MQ: What are some signature dishes that you'd like to highlight?
Stone: For the Downtown Markham location specifically, we have Dim Sum, steam buns, and Tong Sui. Tong Sui is the dessert soup, we have the Sesame Tong Sui. Honey Tea is also my special at the location here, Ginger Lemonade Honey is my personal favourite.
Stone: Quality is what enables us to keep going for 25 years. We pay close attention to every detail that goes into the baking process , such as the temperature, humidity and timing. We as owners are also heavily involved in the kitchen. However, we also give the chefs space for them to be creative. Recently, we won the prize at the Donut Showdown broadcasted at the Food Network.
We also have very experienced chefs, some have 30 years of experience to work with us. Almost everyone has been with us for more than 10 years. We care about our staff with good pay and we never paid a day late!
MQ: What are some signature dishes that you'd like to highlight?
Stone: For the Downtown Markham location specifically, we have Dim Sum, steam buns, and Tong Sui. Tong Sui is the dessert soup, we have the Sesame Tong Sui. Honey Tea is also my special at the location here, Ginger Lemonade Honey is my personal favourite.
MQ: I am interested in your downtown location. It's a mixed culture area, how is Chinese bakery accepted there? Could you tell us more about it?
Stone: The store has two stories in a 140 years historical building. The second floor seats 60 people, and you will see people hang out or do their work there.
MQ: I see from Yelp that your HK Style tea is the most popular at the downtown location.
Stone: It's actually popular in every store. The HK style tea is made from our own recipe with 7 different teas and our own blend. We also roast our own coffee with coffee beans imported Brazil and Colombia.
Stone: The store has two stories in a 140 years historical building. The second floor seats 60 people, and you will see people hang out or do their work there.
MQ: I see from Yelp that your HK Style tea is the most popular at the downtown location.
Stone: It's actually popular in every store. The HK style tea is made from our own recipe with 7 different teas and our own blend. We also roast our own coffee with coffee beans imported Brazil and Colombia.
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Decor
MQ: First thing I noticed is the decor is very unique at the Downtown Markham location.
Stone: We have quite different themes for different locations. The downtown one is more dynamic with industrial theme. While the Downtown Markham one, the one we are at right now is more classic and romantic style.
Stone: We have quite different themes for different locations. The downtown one is more dynamic with industrial theme. While the Downtown Markham one, the one we are at right now is more classic and romantic style.
The Family
Victor, Stone and me (left to right)
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MQ: Just a little personal touch, would you like to tell some stories of yourself or your parents?
Stone: I started helping in the kitchen since I was 8 years old. I could say I have much more experience than people in my age. People ask me why don't you go to cooking school? I say I've already got the best teachers already right in our kitchen! My mom graduated from University of Waterloo Mathematics program on the Dean's Honour's List. She worked at some big corporations such as HSBC, IBM and Scotiabank. But she decided to open a bakery and bake Bo Lo Bao (BLB)! MQ: That's quite a story of your mom. Proud to be a Waterloo Grad! |
Traditional Hong Kong Style Cafe can be changed or improved upon |
MQ: So what's next for you? Stone: We really just doing it step by step. One Store at a time. We will work hard for our new Downtown Markham location and go from there. We also think that traditional HK style cafe impression can be changed or improved upon. It's not just delicious food in a run down store. We are really focusing on the practical side. Our food is delicious but also affordable. Our $5 meal combo will make you full! |
Lucullus Bakers & Roasters has 4 locations:
1. 31 Elm Street, Toronto
2. 328 Hwy 7 E, Unit 19. Richmond Hill
3. 7750 Kennedy Road, Unit 2-2a, Markham
and the new location
4. Downtown Markham ( Highway 7 and Warden), right beside the Cineplex VIP on 169 Enterprise Blvd.
1. 31 Elm Street, Toronto
2. 328 Hwy 7 E, Unit 19. Richmond Hill
3. 7750 Kennedy Road, Unit 2-2a, Markham
and the new location
4. Downtown Markham ( Highway 7 and Warden), right beside the Cineplex VIP on 169 Enterprise Blvd.
