If you don't mind, let's take a short break from the pandemic and instead discuss the news regarding dining on the Island of Montreal and also the upcoming development of Wendy's restaurants.
Let’s start with the announcement of the definitive closure of the L’Atelier restaurant, located at the Casino de Montréal. The establishment managed by Joël Robichon had been closed since March 2020, initially due to the pandemic. This time, again due to the uncertainty related to the closure of the Casino due to COVID-19, Loto-Québec management decided to terminate the contract signed with the Robichon Group.
Robichon and his team had taken place at the Casino in 2016. A few years later, we learned that the gourmet restaurant was operating in Quebec under a company registered in another country and thus took the opportunity to practice tax avoidance.
We do not know if this news, in the end, forced the hand of Loto-Quebec and broke the contract.
As soon as the restaurants at the Casino reopen, the space left free by the Atelier will be taken by the Asian restaurant Ajia, which will take the opportunity to expand its current location.
Then, the Jean-Talon and Atwater markets announced the opening of their food court with the arrival of good weather. This summer, the offer will be ready-to-eat and four new restaurants have already made their arrival on the markets official:
Bouffe-moi will serve vegetarian finger food on a stick.
La Cabane à chichis will offer you churros.
Robin Hood will take care of homemade meals and picnic essentials
Fattoush girls will cook typical Syrian meals
Finally, we learned this week that Wendy’s is working on a development plan in Quebec with a new franchisee. In fact, Compass Restaurant Group has acquired 13 Wendy’s currently operating in Quebec and is committed to opening as many within four years.
“We see huge opportunities for Wendy’s in Quebec, as this market has more than a quarter of the Canadian population but only 3% of our restaurants in the country. This new agreement demonstrates the strength of our brand and the faith of our franchise partners in our future, said Abigail Pringle, President and Chief Development Officer of Wendy’s, in a statement. Wendy's franchise owners continue to play a vital role in establishing our restaurants across Canada and we are delighted with their continued partnership. "
If you are a fan of square meatballs and have an entrepreneurial flair, know that Wendy’s is always looking for franchisees in Quebec.
