A chef is seen crafting a poutine dish at La Banquise restaurant in Montreal on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. The ownership of the restaurant has recently changed hands and is now under the management of the owners of Chez Ashton. This update was confirmed by THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson.
Montreal's popular poutine destination, La Banquise, located in the Plateau area, has changed ownership. The restaurant, frequently characterized by long queues, was previously managed by Annie Barsalou and Marc Latendresse, who took over from Annie's father, Pierre Barsalou, in 1994. The torch has now been passed to Emily Adam and Jean-Christophe Lirette, the proprietors of Chez Ashton.
Citing the demands of the 24-hour operation, Barsalou humorously remarked, "We're not getting any younger." La Banquise, which originated as a modest ice cream shop, has evolved into one of Montreal's most renowned poutine establishments.
According to Barsalou, La Banquise offers more than just a meal; it embodies a unique ambiance and the collective spirit of the team. She emphasized their commitment to ensuring patrons enjoy not only a great meal but also a genuine poutine experience.
The new owners, Adam and Lirette, expressed their intention to maintain the restaurant's established identity. Adam reassured customers, stating, "La Banquise will stay La Banquise." They emphasized their commitment to preserving the winning recipe, retaining the existing team, and ensuring job continuity for all staff members.
Adam and Lirette, who acquired the Chez Ashton poutine chain last year and operate a popular snack bar, Ti-Oui, in their hometown of Saint-Raymond, described the opportunity to acquire La Banquise as irresistible. Lirette indicated that it was a straightforward decision when they received the call about the opportunity.
Poutine Week founder Na'eem Adam expressed hope that the new owners would uphold their promises. He praised the inclusive approach of La Banquise, where staff were encouraged to contribute their own ideas and recipes. Adam emphasized the importance of maintaining the established taste standards, believing that customers would continue to patronize the restaurant based on its well-established reputation.
The new owners, however, clarified that their focus is on preserving the current successful formula and expressed no plans to franchise the restaurant. Their commitment lies in safeguarding the essence of La Banquise, ensuring that it remains a consistent and beloved culinary destination for locals and visitors alike.
