Here is a quick delivery of a trio of news about Quebec's restaurant industry:
The duo Mélanie Blanchette and François Néron, who already manage Bouillon Bilk and Cadet, have just opened their third establishment in Old Montreal. This new restaurant will be located in the same place as the Local, closed in recent months. However, everything will be new starting with the name, the decor and even the team. The menu will offer typical brewery dishes. The suppliers will be the same as those of the other two restaurants, thus continuing the already well-established business relationship. Since the place will accommodate groups, the opening is desired before Christmas.
Quebec restaurateurs are crusading against the government and the SAQ. Remember that the law forces licensed establishments to obtain wine and spirits directly from the Société des alcools du Québec. Sometimes the price is even higher for the restaurateur than for the simple consumer who goes there. For the moment, no volume discount or wholesale price is offered to merchants, a thorn in the foot for restaurateurs. The SAQ does offer discounts, once a month, but often on products that sell the least. The restaurants, supported by Restaurants Canada, want a change at this level, as is already the case for the purchase of beers.
Finally, the shortage of manpower has again struck in recent days, more precisely in Sherbrooke. Two Tim Hortons chain restaurants were forced to close their dining room and only leave the service behind the wheel open. Employees were scheduled but did not show up. In one case, the closing of the dining room is in force since the beginning of the school year. Franchisee Denis Bourque would like to receive a boost from the government, through special programs, to hire more people, like immigrants for example.
