When he sold his small grocery store in Saint-Ludger, in Estrie, around thirty years ago, Bernard Bégin did not know that his building would make it possible to found a company which now produces nearly 10,000 frozen pizzas per day .
“At the start, we produced submarines and a little pizza for grocery stores,” says Bernard Bégin. Quickly, pizza took over and we focused on that.”
This is how he founded the frozen pizza company Resto Pizza with his son Roby. Subsequently, the name of the trademark was modified to be replaced by the one we know today, Resto Pizz.
After a few years of building an enviable reputation in their region, Aliments Bégin had a business opportunity that would propel their business during an event at Place Bonaventure.
“Our products were on display,” recalls Roby Bégin, who was on his first visit to Montreal. The boss of the Messier Group, owner of 12 grocery stores, told me he wanted our pizza in all his stores. He told me: get organized, and that’s what I did!”
Subsequently, with “arm juice” as he puts it so well, Resto Pizz products appeared on the shelves of all major food chains throughout Quebec.
Today, the Saint-Prosper factory prepares around 10,000 frozen pizzas per day. A product composed with agreements with several Quebec suppliers.
“When people buy our product, they encourage several other Quebec companies such as our supplier of cheese, pepperoni, boxes and others,” mentions Roby Bégin.
In the major leagues
Resto Pizz leads a daily battle against the giants of their category in the freezers of the various food chains. The SME, which has 60 employees, is capable of doing well.
“Our crust and our taste are unique,” mentions Bernard Bégin. It’s a real pizzeria pizza.
“We’re not big compared to companies like Dr. Oetker or Mikes. To have a place of choice, you have to continue to work hard to release good products.”
“We’re a kid playing in the major leagues,” adds Roby Bégin.
Even so, they are able to compete with the going prices of big players like Dr. Oetker and Mikes. Additionally, through their partners, they are able to have aggressive promotions that attract consumers.
The Bégin family: Bernard (president) and Roby (co-founder). Standing: Lucie (plant director), Yanick (vice-president of operations) and Gaétane (multiple functions).
Photo provided by the Bégin family
A united family
Resto Pizz is a family affair for the Bégins. In addition to Bernard and Roby, Yanick, Gaétane and Lucie also get involved.
“It’s not always easy to take a break from work,” emphasizes Yanick Bégin, who is vice-president of operations. We all have complementary personalities and that serves the company well.
“Our greatest achievement is to have remained united around our parents throughout our epics.”
«That’s it challenge on a daily basis, adds Lucie who is director of the factory. It allows us to grow and evolve our business.”
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