The Coffee Shop Queen Takes Her Throne

Specialties

August 29, 2021

Words by: Mona Butler

Photography by: Trevor Tsoi

Café La Reine’s Melissa Sabourin puts Spirit, Ambition, and Flavour on the Menu.

A new queen has stepped onto Edmonton’s French pastry scene. Though the opportunity to reign as “la reine” of Café la Reine was an unexpected career direction, Melissa Sabourin has filled the role with the grace and enthusiasm one would expect of a monarch raised for the throne.

“A couple of weeks later, I came across an ‘Indeed’ job posting for a “Café Manager” and quickly came to learn they were looking to invest in an individual and create a business together; a French-inspired café/bakery!”

Instead of just being a manager for a coffee shop someone else owned, Melissa found herself in the unique position to make Café la Reine her own. A vast majority of the offerings on the menu, which she got to design with the help of a couple of close friends, were recipes even she hadn’t tried yet. But they were worth experimenting with in order to provide the most authentic French pastry experience possible. For those wanting non-traditional twists to some classic favourites, she’s begun rolling out some fun flavours, with even more to come!

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“One thing we are known for is creating bold and unique flavours as in some of our Macarons – like Strawberry Basil, Mojito, and our Raspberry Rosewater Croissant.”

Café la Reine has been open for a month now and this coffee shop kingdom has been quickly gaining loyal subjects who have been loving everything Melissa has brought to the menu, especially when there isn’t anything quite like it nearby.

“One thing we are known for is creating bold and unique flavours as in some of our Macarons – like Strawberry Basil, Mojito, and our Raspberry Rosewater Croissant.”

Café la Reine has been open for a month now and this coffee shop kingdom has been quickly gaining loyala“They have loved our interior design, service and staff, variety of goods, and accessibility. I am hoping to see more people from the community every day come and try us out as they are what makes us.”

This little realm is off to a good start, but like any queen, Melissa’s ambition and entrepreneurial spirit will keep it growing. “My goals list for the café is forever in length!” subjects who have been loving everything Melissa has brought to the menu, especially when there isn’t anything quite like it nearby.

Instead of just being a manager for a coffee shop someone else owned, Melissa found herself in the unique position to make Café la Reine her own.

Edmonton’s newest lifestyle magazine Uncovering 
the best in hidden gems around the city.

Looking toward the nearer future, Melissa is excited to build up the menu with rotating seasonal fare and custom orders. Down the road, those who love the look of Café la Reine could have the chance to rent out the space for special events, and have their own dedicated event menu too.

There will be no need to wait for updates too long either, as Melissa already has new menu items coming up on the horizon. “Alcoholic beverages and dog treats are coming soon! I also would love to be able to offer delivery for people and some secret goods for the future.”

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