If you want to kill your brand through expansion, Guu Toronto is the perfect case study. Guu Toronto is nothing compared to the original Guu in Vancouver.
Like the Guu in Vancouver, there's usually a wait. However the wait in Toronto is like 2 hours on weekends. I was here on a Monday and didnt have to wait long. I don't mind the long wait but will definitely give this place a pass for the following reasons
1. The food is nothing like the Guu in Vancoiver. Guu Toronto doesn't have the fresh seafood like Vancouver. The cooking style in Toronto is mainly grill and fried vs broil in Vancouver. The food is also very salty. Finally the signature yaki udon was way too moist vs dried.
2. The place is extremely noisey and loud. Like all Japanese restaurants, you are greeted by everyone at the restaurant but Guu Toronto takes it to the next level and turn it into a shouting match. I can't even dine in peace. The staff definitely need to tone it down a notch.
3. Poor ventilation. Since try have an open kitchen, you'll definitely smell like a restaurant when you leave. The place is also smoky. I have bad allergies and the smoke didn't help. I had a horrible experience.
I normally don't write long reviews but this experience was truly a huge disappointment. I feel bad for the Vancouver Guu restaurant as the Toronto restaurant is not a true representation of the Guu experience.