Good Company, a multi-use space on Queen West, integrates a barbershop, cafe, and soon-to-be snack bar, aiming to infuse community and energy into the neighbourhood. Owners Mandy Todaro and Eric Buzzeo, inspired by their space’s namesake, strive to embody the essence of good company in all aspects of their establishment.

“We used to host parties at home, calling them the ‘good company’ parties. It’s this idea that you’re in good company when you’re here. We’re here to take care of you,” says Todaro.

“We’re a café by day, featuring a barbershop on the second floor, transforming into a bar and snack bar at night. But we’ve also been getting special occasion permits, hosting DJs, and throwing parties and pop-up events.” 

Todaro’s vision for Good Company stemmed from years of experience in her and Buzzeo’s respective industries, blending their individual dreams. Buzzeo, with years as a barber, and Todaro, navigating the restaurant and bar space.

“My boyfriend always wanted to own a barber shop and we originally wanted to open a male spa. As we were looking at spaces, he noticed my lack of enthusiasm,” recounts Todaro.  “I’ve always wanted to own my bar. So, we decided on a café, bar and barbershop.”

Good Company, a month-old establishment, has quickly become a culinary gem with a menu that playfully combines creativity and savory delights, driven by the passion of owner Mandy Todaro.

Open now for just over a month,  Good Company’s café menu boasts a playful yet savoury lineup, driven by the passion of Todaro. Guests are treated to a variety of choices, from the Thick and Morty sandwich — made with mortadella, pistachio butter and chayotes — to their innovative avocado toast options and weekly features. Their mouth-watering bagel tower lets you build your own bagel experience with salmon lox, salmon roe, dill cream cheese, honey-soaked blueberries, mascarpone, and pistachios.

“The menu reflects the breakfasts I make for myself,” says Todaro. “I used to always post my own breakfast on my Instagram stories, and everybody would comment and tell me how good it looks, so I thought these are meals people would enjoy.” 

When it comes to beverages, guests can enjoy the usual options like espressos, Americanos, and lattes — Todaro recommends the pistachio one. For a sweet treat, try Good Company’s Cinny Bun Shaken Iced Cappuccino, shaken in a cocktail shaker and made with cinnamon bun syrup.

In the coming weeks, Good Company will expand its offering to include a snack bar serving up small bites like steak tartare, oysters and tuna crudo. This will be complemented  by an array of cocktails that boast unique twists and homemade syrups.

Beyond the day-to-night transformation, the team at Good Company has exciting plans to introduce boozy brunches, expand the weekend brunch menu and and seamlessly blend café and bar services throughout the day.

Reflecting on the journey of building Good Company, Todaro beams with pride.

“I can’t wait until every seat is filled and I can see what we’ve built,” she says. “We did it ourselves and it took us a long time — so finally opening feels like a weight off our shoulders. I’m incredibly excited to see what we’ve created.”

Good Company is located at 498 Queen St. West. Buzzeo manages the barbershop from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the café is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Once the snack bar opens up, the hours will run from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.