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âItâs such a joy to be out here in the sunshine,â Froehlich said mid-morning after ordering a latte and a cheese croissant. âWe would always come here for breakfast before COVID-19, so in a way it feels like a home away from home. The last time we did this was last summer. Itâs been way too long.â
Froehlichâs words are music to the ears of Abdel Charmant, owner of La Croissanterie Figaro, who expects business to be down about 25 per cent annually even after most Quebecers have been vaccinated and public health restrictions lifted.
âSummer should be good, but once thatâs over Iâm a little worried because I fear people have gotten used to staying home and ordering out during the pandemic,â Charmant said. âWhenever it gets cold, whenever it rains, they order takeout. So unless people have a change of heart, I donât think weâll see a full return to normal. Things are no longer the same.â