"I have been a regular at Around Back Cafe since before 2014, and have visited intermittently since then. In recent months, I have noticed a significant decline in the quality of the establishment. The once vibrant and energetic atmosphere has been replaced by a sense of complacency and unhappiness among the staff.
The original owners, Gary and Janee Wislie, opened the bar-restaurant in 2006 and it quickly became a beloved spot in the LB/NK area for its delicious food and friendly faces. However, after the business was sold to the Meyer family in 2011, things began to change. The menu shifted towards more typical bar food, and the once popular dishes like peel shrimp and stuffed banana peppers disappeared.
The current staff seems unhappy and disconnected from the customers, and the business model appears to be focused more on take-out than on providing a welcoming environment for patrons to enjoy drinks with friends. Prices have increased significantly, and the portions are smaller than they used to be.
There are rumors of the restaurant moving to a new location, but I believe that it will never be able to recreate the magic of its original spot. Casual dining is a dying trend, and the owners would be wise to focus on providing a welcoming atmosphere with good food and drinks in order to attract loyal customers. I hope that they can turn things around and find success in the future."
