Guu
Guu is the latest hype in Toronto, offeringTorontonians an authentic Japanese pub experience. Located on Church and McGill in Downtown Toronto, two-hour long lineups are not unheard of. The well-established chain from Vancouver is giving Torontonians hungry for new and unique places something to talk about.
So, How Special is Guu?
I sat there last night with a buddy and I asked myself what’s vaccuuming all these people in here? What’s making this place more successful than others? What are they doing right?
Let me share with you my thumbs-up experience. There weren't any lineups when I went during the middle of the week but the place was 90% full. A line was forming by the time I left.
What's Vaccuuming People in Here?
The Experience is Uniquely Different.
A Japanese pub experience that is. It's fun! How often do you get to go to such a crowded energetic place with the staff shouting out Japanese greetings to welcome you when you go in and to thank you when you leave?
Service is Great.
You are handed a hot moist towel pretty much right after you sit down. You can see that the place is busy (and typically many servers at other places will start to neglect you) but here at Guu all of the servers try their best to attend to your needs.
The Food is Different.
There are tons of Japanese restaurants in Toronto but Guu 's Japanese items are more on the snacking/ appetizer side. You don't get to taste those often here. Oh yes, did I mention the presentation of the food? And, by the way, even their cocktail drinks have an unique slant to it. The concept of a Sake Mojito just sounds cool even before drinking it! See my slideshow of pictures below.
They Pay Attention to Small Details.
Two things here.
1) Japanese marble soda is nothing too unique to the Asian population here in Toronto but if you've never had it before, I must say it's quite neat. However, that's not even the main point here. If you look at the photo near the end of my slideshow with the soda bottle, pay attention to how the bottle packaging is customized to the restaurant. "Guu is Guuud!" Bravo for thinking of that.
2) Next thing. At the very bottom of the receipt, they'll write their thank you in Japanese but it'll also say "Becareful! Guuing is addictive." It shows how consistent they are with their theme of business and it certainly adds to the fun and energy of the place.
Smart Choice of Location
Like they always say in business school: location, location, location. After all this hype is over, who will be their true customers? I think they chose a good area because it's just right by one of the liveliest part of town. There's the Eaton Centre, Nathan Phillip Square and Yonge and Dundas Square, all within walking distance from and to Guu. Great for tourists and local people who are enjoying a day Downtown. Then, you've got a ton of students with Ryerson University pretty much right next to it. Finally, for blue collars wanting to swing by after work, it's not out of reach either.
My Only Complaint
The portions are a little too small for what you pay. I understand the food is more unique but if you want me to come more often, give me bigger portions. Just slightly bigger portions.
Overall
Despite all the different Japanese restaurants in the city, Guu is the first of its kind in Toronto. The overall experience from the joint makes it easy for the Gen Y crowd to share within their network online!
It'll be interesting to see what happens as time passes.
