The Cantine D’Amours restaurant is a true institution in Trois-Pistoles. The family establishment is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
On May 14, 1954, Jeanne Plourde began an adventure on her porch that grew over time.
At first, she sold hot dogs and fries. Over time, her children and grandchildren joined her, bringing their ideas and new ideas. It was a great success.
The current owner of the Cantine, Denis D’Amours, is the grandson of the founder. He remembers helping his grandmother from a young age.
“I started peeling and cutting potatoes when I was eight. Potato bread was invented in the early days of commerce. My grandmother, who was very religious, offered hot dogs for Lean Fridays and fasting days, replacing the sausage with fried potatoes, which quickly became popular,” he says.
Full cheeseburger: a must-have
The menu has developed in line with customers’ new habits and tastes.
In the mid-1960s, hamburgers and cheeseburgers were added to the menu.
“People, seeing the potato buns, asked to add potatoes inside their hot dog or hamburger, which quickly became popular. The complete cheeseburger then appeared, and remains a must even today,” continues Denis D’Amours, who has been the sole owner of the company since 2009, with his partner Mélanie Bélanger.
During the 80s, homemade fried chicken and poutine appeared on the menu. In the 90s, it was the turn of soup in 1991, cipaille in 1992, and merguez sausage in 1993, all made on site, to be added to the menu.
Passionate about catering
When asked what makes his company strong, Mr. D’Amours has no hesitation.
“It’s the consistency of our recipes. We always use the same ingredients. When the customer comes here, they know what they’re going to get. We don’t shop for specials. We use quality products, and always the same brands,” he says.
Another strength of the company comes from the commitment of its employees to offer the best possible service. Its success also depends on the work of the owner’s wife, Mélanie Bélanger.
“All our dishes are prepared on site with quality ingredients. We offer our customers what we ourselves would like to be served,” adds Denis D’Amours.
La Cantine D’Amours offers a warm dining room, where customers can chat, as well as a terrace with 32 seats.
The company employs 23 people, including Normand D’Amours who has worked there for 38 years, as well as the owners’ sons, Joël and Vincent D’Amours, who each provide assistance according to their availability, with Joël working in the company full-time.
For sale, but not urgently
Denis D’Amours reminds us that Cantine D’Amours is still for sale, but that he is in no hurry.
“I don’t have a successor. I just want to prepare for my retirement. I’ve been working at the canteen since I was eight years old. I didn’t want to wait until I was 65 to announce the sale. It could take a few years to conclude as a transaction. In the meantime, we’re going to continue operating,” he assures.
“I am open to staying after the sale to ensure a transition. It is important to me that the Cantine remains what it has always been,” said Mr. D’Amours.
