"I am not sure what is happening with this place. I will provide some historical context below, but it seems like the owners over the past few years have allowed this establishment to deteriorate. It is a mere shadow of its former self. Almost everything has changed, with only a couple of employees holding on. If Around Back Cafe moves to the King's location, it will mark the end of an era. There is little chance they will maintain the same loyal customer base or recapture the magic that made it one of the best bar restaurants in the area. Moving a few miles away will only result in a decline in quality.
I used to frequent Around Back Cafe regularly before 2014, and occasionally from 2014 onwards. I visited several times in the past few months when I was back in town, and caught up with friends who are regulars. I want to offer this review from a historical perspective to make a few key points:
The cafe was opened in 2006 by Gary and Janee Wislie. Initially, it was unmatched in the area in terms of atmosphere, fun, food, and friendly faces from both staff and patrons. The menu offered a range of dishes not typical of a bar, with items like stuffed banana peppers, calamari, peel and eat shrimp, and dinners that were a cut above. The bar was a gathering place for people of all ages, filled with excitement and positive energy. It was simply the best in the LB/NK area for comfort and enjoyment.
In 2011, Gary and Janee sold the business to the Meyer family. While the first five years saw some improvements, the past five years have seen a decline. The menu now features more standard bar food and some favorite dishes have disappeared. Ownership became difficult, leading to unhappy staff and a decline in customer service. The once lively atmosphere has been replaced with tense and unhappy staff. The closure during COVID only made things worse, as the loyal customer base disappeared and the restaurant struggled to survive. The quality of the food has become inconsistent, although the drink selection remains good. Prices have gone up due to COVID-related shortages. The focus has shifted towards takeout, and the current closing time of 10 pm feels limiting. Portions have also decreased, hinting at a business in survival mode.
For future entrepreneurs looking to revive the spirit of Around Back Cafe, securing a liquor license and hiring friendly bartenders with the ability to attract a diverse clientele will be key. Bringing back the charm and quality of the early days could be a recipe for success."
