As the adage said in the midst of the pandemic, you have to reinvent yourself. Several restaurateurs have done it well and now we can find their products in the grocery store. We provide an overview below. Also, you will learn why the Manoir du Café obtained a B Corp certification and how to taste Italy by visiting L'Isle-aux-coudres.
First, restaurants have diversified their businesses during the pandemic by selling iconic products at retail. For example, Aliments Fabbrica launched its mayonnaise in IGA grocery stores following the closure of its restaurants. The Resto-Pub L'ImMédia collaborates with the Maison du Gibier to offer its vacuum-packed smoked meat. Le Grec restaurant is investing in its own frozen pizza manufacturing plant, while emphasizing environmental and social aspects. In addition, frozen pizza tests have been a great success in Mauricie grocery stores, prompting an official launch. Also, Joe Beef has developed a line of frozen meals and Tim Hortons has launched a line of ice cream in grocery stores.
Second, the Manoir du Café, a micro-roaster in Baie-Comeau, obtains B Corp certification, a first of its kind in Quebec, a certification that recognizes companies that meet high standards in terms of environmental and social performance. Le Manoir du Café is committed to this process to strengthen its social and environmental responsibility.
The certification involves sustainable practices such as the use of renewable energy and responsible waste management. The certification process took 16 months and required internal adjustments, but customers reacted positively. Le Manoir du Café also supports the MAVIE project for people with disabilities in the region. B Corp certification should help influence consumer buying behavior towards responsible and sustainable products.
Finally, the new Trattoria de l'Isle restaurant, in L'Isle-aux-Coudres, now offers Neapolitan pizzas and other Italian specialties. The establishment, located in the Hotel Cap aux Pierres, required an investment of $100,000. The restaurant is equipped with an Italian Napoli oven to cook pizzas on stone and also offers pastas, salads and other Italian dishes. A large terrace overlooking the river and an indoor bar are also available for guests. But beware, the Trattoria de l'Isle is open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the summer period, until mid-October.