Poop Cafe

When Lien Nguyen shared her plan to open a unique dessert bar, she encountered plenty of skeptics, including friends and family who suggested that her idea, although good, may not work in Toronto. But she had a feeling that Toronto was ready for this new type of dining experience and would embrace it. “I didn’t know how people would react, but I knew that Toronto and specifically Koreatown was the perfect neighbourhood for opening something like this.”

Resilient and determined, Lien went to work transforming a Korean health food store into a bathroom-themed dessert bar. She installed a new kitchen area, plumbing, electrical and wood flooring. At the same time, she also juggled another business, culinary school and a growing family, including two children. Along the way she had to deal with haters who criticized her and her business. But since opening in October 2016, the Poop Café has been embraced by both the local community and curious newcomers eager to explore the café and to sample its delicious desserts.