Nomenclature is the manner in which names are assigned. We collect names and titles and then we reveal the story behind that name.

“Outhouse” came from two things: First, I wanted to call my Panini espresso bar something that completely is not what it is in a contemporary sense. Everyone thinks of an outdoor john when they think of an outhouse. Secondly, back in the day, houses were equipped with kitchens outside of their house. I believe Martha Stewart has one still.

I wanted to create an outing for locals to be able to enjoy great food, awesome chatter and good coffee in a relaxed, unpretentious environment. That’s what Outhouse is.

New York always inspires me every time I go and I wanted to bring pieces of it back to Toronto – that’s why everything has a story in my cafe. Every panino is loaded with a story of where I got the name. I’m way too passionate about food to just sell food and coffee. Everything I sell is a conversation piece.

I want people to have a place where they can chat with people they didn’t even know live in the area. I don’t offer Wi-Fi because I really wanted people to communicate and go back to the basics of simple eye contact and conversation. Outhouse is crammed with moms, babies, artists, entrepreneurs, families and well, me. I’m über social and it seemed like the perfect outing for me and the community. I wanted to create a cafe I would love to be in all day and so that’s what it is.

I have the most supportive community I could have ever asked for. The people I meet everyday are almost like an extended family within Toronto and I am so happy to give them that experience every day. I guess, in a way, it fulfills my own life purpose as an entrepreneur, creating engaging multi-purpose spaces that elevate our daily life one cup at a time.

- William Ashman, Owner of Outhouse Panini & Espresso Bar