Recent news that Starbucks coffee outlets have been struggling (and occasionally closing) in Montreal elicited a shrug from me. I didn’t rejoice — after all, these businesses employ Quebecers. But I wasn’t surprised either.

Within a three-block radius of my St-Henri home I have access to a number of hyper-local, independently owned cafés that serve excellent coffee, often with a unique twist.

From long-established Campanelli (amazing coffee and the best homemade zucchini muffins) to Montreal institution Café Olimpico’s new Westmount offshoot, to newer establishments Pas de problème — a chill Jamaican café with no internet, excellent jerk-chicken grilled cheese and smooth soul tunes all day long — and Maison Aïdo — a patisserie café whose owner from Benin makes excellent bissap (hibiscus juice) and has infused her pastries with the spices of her home — why in the world would I go to Starbucks for some overpriced “Grande” caramel concoction masquerading as coffee?

It’s hard for generic chains to compete with these unique offerings, as well the personal connections, where the regulars often feel like they’re part of a family they’re........

© Montreal Gazette