Le Frigo De Bacchus Inc
The Best of Quebec
Jacques Pilon and girlfriend Karine Robitaille are prone to impromptu road trips through the back roads of Quebec. “That’s the best way to discover a new microbrewery, cheese maker or that independent producer of local honey or unique blend of spices,” Karine explains.
“Eventually, we came up with the idea of sharing our passion with our neighbours,” she says, and Jacques chimes in: “The timing also seemed appropriate, with more and more people buying locally. There are so many great products being made right here in Quebec, and we wanted to contribute to local producers’ success.”
The couple opened Le Frigo de Bacchus in October 2013 with the aim of introducing Quebecois producers to Rosemont residents. In no time, the reputation of the fine grocer-dépanneur-gift shop hybrid had spread throughout the island.
A New Neighbourhood Institution
“We really create a unique bond with our customers; they’re often the ones suggesting new products to carry, something they sampled over a weekend in the Laurentians, for example,” Karine says. “In that way, it’s become a kind of collaborative project involving the whole neighbourhood, and we derive great satisfaction from being the nexus of that.”
Along the aisles, the selection changes with the seasons: a variety of honeys and ciders, sweet or savoury preserves, natural cosmetics, spices, fine teas, artisanal sodas, rillettes and smoked fish stream through the small grocery store.
“We take a shining to a variety of products and we want to have something for everyone, regardless of the occasion," says Jacques. "People stop by on their way to a dinner party with friends to pick up the perfect gift for their hosts, drinks to go with any dish, snacks for any taste.... We’re truly a one-stop foodie shop.”
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