New measure to combat decrease in customer base from OSAP-itis
Father & Sons, 1848, and La Maison serve as cornerstones for University of Ottawa nightlife, but recently these three establishments have been feuding over claims to U of O students.
Students were once available in abundance in this area, they were also are not afraid to dish out some coin on a decent bite and some booze. However, in light of hiking tuition fees over the last decade or so, more and more students have been infected with OSAP-itis, and are no longer as abundant as they used to be, opting to drink at home. This has resulted in negotiations among these three key players on the campus booze level. The Tomato has received reports that a deal has now been struck.
Each establishment has tried their best to appeal to this new set of students; 1848 is known for their Toonie Tuesdays, Father & Sons prides themselves on serving the best wings around (and hangover breakfasts), while La Maison cites attractiveness to first-year students, as well as closeness to Minto Sports Complex, as their star factor.
1848 has prided itself on being one of the cheapest and most easily accessible places, driving in a variety of customers. Due to the recent cuts in their funding by the SFUO, they’re no longer able to provide the same quality of service, and their future is unclear. One guest cites a cut in the form of the bouncer, now replaced for a dog, Cerberus. “It was so scary! He growled as we walked in!” she claims.
In light of this recent change in staff, U of O students have found a new place to hang out, La Maison. With cheap booze and a view that doesn’t remind students of school, La Maison is managing to draw in some of the customer base, putting 1848 in a dry spell.
Interestingly, Father & Sons has accused 1848 of selling wings on discount on the same night they do. 1848 claims they’ve had the discount for longer, but both places seem to be playing chicken. Additionally, Father & Sons finds it unfair that since La Maison is located a block closer to Minto, student athletes tend to opt for the closer option for a couple of brewskis after practice—but La Maison claims their karaoke night can’t carry a tune in comparison to Father & Sons.
Management from all three establishments have been engaged in talks for the past several months, and have finally reached an agreement.
The LAFS18 accord was signed by all three parties to ensure the equal distribution of students to each establishment. The agreement states that Father & Sons will have sole rights to sell discount wings. In return, they have promised not to infringe on the two-dollar market, allowing 1848 to monopolize on the toonie front. Father & Sons management has also agreed to share a pitcher with the owners of La Maison to show them how karaoke is done. La Maison retains the right to sell low cost drinks, but is also held to the same two-dollar regulations as Father and Sons
Although all three parties implied the deal was amicable, some employees have concerns.
“This is outrageous! I’m going to lose so many tips because of this deal!” says Vivian LeChateau, a waitress at La Maison.
Her co-workers in the kitchen, however, don’t share her sentiment, with excited shouts being heard throughout the bar. “We’re free!! We never have to make chicken wings again!”
On campus, staff at 1848 may be staging a strike, but the Tomato suspects their bark is worse than their bite.
“GRRRR RUFF RUFF!” barked Cerberus the new bouncer, clearly outraged that he will no longer get as many chicken bones because of the new sanctions. Maybe Father & Sons will throw them a bone and offer to send one over every now and then.
The final draft still needs to be signed by the owners of all three establishments (the original has reportedly been written on a beer-stain bar napkin).
