Bonté Who?
Since 2003, Bonte has offered the most authentic vendor style waffles, the best tasting locally roasted coffee, and the freshest gourmet delights in town inside a cozy European style coffee house in historic Rittenhouse Square. Bonte is committed to the highest standards of taste, quality, atmosphere and service. Once you step inside Bonte and experience for yourself our unique and fresh approach to a mouthwatering experience, you will see why love lives in a waffle.
History
The Not-So-Ordinary-Waffle-House had Not-So-Ordinary-Beginnings.
Once upon a time, on a college break, Bonté’s founder – Brad Messinger – went backpacking through Europe with a group of friends. The gang was blowing off steam after completing a grueling round of midterms at the University of Colorado. A coin toss decided their next stop; destiny landed them in the incredible city of Brussels, Belgium.
One day as he was taking in the city’s beautiful sights, Messinger discovered one of Belgium’s most popular offerings: the sugar waffle. No matter where he ventured, he was captivated again and again by the sweetscented aroma and luscious taste of these expertly prepared, street-vendor treats. Messinger soon learned that vendors selling gaufre (pronounced go-fra) are as common in the streets of Brussels as hot dog and pretzel vendors are in the States.
Suddenly, he had a vision: Why not make these wonderful, freshly prepared treats available to the residents and tourists in his own city? Why not open a really great, European-style coffee house where waffles were served with locally roasted coffee? Why not, indeed? In that moment, Bonté was born.
So, Messinger began searching for the secret recipe for these mouth-watering waffles. He knew that no waffle he had ever tasted compared to this unique and delicious concoction. About to give up his search, Messinger encountered a vendor manning his well-worn waffle cart in front of Notre Dame du Finistere, a magnificent medieval building. The English-speaking gentleman, accepting Messinger’s final bid of $500, agreed to divulge his secret recipe.
A few weeks later, the gang returned to the states, backpack overflowing with purchases from their European adventure. Tucked away in Messinger’s bag was one souvenir that would change his future: the recipe for Belgian sugar waffles.
This is how Bonté – which means “goodness” in French – began. This was the beginning of a Not-So-Ordinary- Idea, in fact a really good idea.
To appreciate Bonté, you have to know it. Once you step inside, you will truly experience Bonté. Delivering the finest mouthwatering food via gracious, prompt service; you will see why Bonté is not your ordinary coffee house.
Since 2003, Bonté has been enchanting the people of Philadelphia with the same sweet experience Messinger encountered on the streets of Brussels. Bon Appetit!