Today, let us tell you about a major investment in one of the McDonald’s restaurants in Rimouski, the arrival of the Sherbrooke microbrewery Siboire in Quebec and the restaurant La Marelle.

Let's start with this news concerning the McDonald's restaurant in the Nazareth district of Rimouski which is currently undergoing renovation work worth $1.7 million in order to improve its efficiency and bring it up to date, following the policy of McDonald's to renovate its establishments every ten years.

The owner, Michel Deschênes, chose a decor focused on wood and timeless colors. The changes include a complete overhaul of the kitchen to meet the growing demand for orders from various channels such as the mobile app, deliveries, parking kiosks and order kiosks.

The main aim of the renovations is to speed up and optimize service by modernizing workstations in the kitchen and introducing a separate drinks station. The restaurant's dining room is currently closed for construction, but the drive-thru remains accessible. The restaurant will close on March 4 to finalize renovations and will reopen on March 20 with new decor. Nazareth restaurant employees will be able to familiarize themselves with the new equipment during the temporary closure

Deschênes anticipates an increase of 7 to 15% in sales after the renovation of the restaurant, and he highlights the advantage of now having three up-to-date McDonald's restaurants in Rimouski.

Let's continue with this news of the expansion of the Siboire microbrewery, which will open a first address in Quebec. Jonathan Gaudreault, co-founder of the Siboire microbrewery, found his ideal location in Quebec after more than ten years of research, opting for the Saint-Sauveur district. The choice fell on 350, rue Saint-Vallier Ouest, a building dating from 1885 which housed the Peinture Drouin company for more than 40 years. The renovation work aims to preserve the historic character of the building, which was once one of the city's first liquor commissions. Gaudreault aims to integrate into the Saint-Sauveur community, emphasizing his commitment to this “hidden treasure” and his desire to participate in the life of the neighborhood.

Although the work is planned for the summer of 2024 to transform the commercial artery into a one-way green street, Gaudreault admits to having concerns, but remains optimistic about the future beautification of the neighborhood.

He acknowledges the current challenges in the microbrewery and catering sector, but emphasizes the need to focus on what they do best, which is branches. The partners plan to open the Siboire branch in the summer of 2024, and Gaudreault affirms their commitment to remaining in the neighborhood long term, without setting a duration limit.

Let's finish by talking about La Marelle, a long-standing project by chef Carlos Melgar, which also came to life thanks to Brendan Lavery Breier and Taylor D'Ottavi.

After some experiences in other restaurants, the three friends seized the opportunity to take over the premises of the late Diplomate, bringing it to full expansion about a year ago. The restaurant offers a welcoming experience with a room at the back that can accommodate around forty guests and a counter where the kitchen team prepares expertly balanced dishes.

The decor, designed by François Séguin, offers a relaxed atmosphere, while the menu offers around ten dishes on the slate, reflecting the culinary diversity of chef Carlos Melgar, mixing French, Salvadoran and Mexican influences. La Marelle aims to be one of Montreal's welcoming bistronomic addresses.