The recent decision by St-Hubert to close two of its Express locations will affect approximately 40 employees. The closures involve the St-Hubert Express in Mercier, located in the Montérégie region, and another on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal. Marie-Ève Gaudreau, a communications advisor for St-Hubert Group, stated that this move is part of a regular evaluation of the chain’s network to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Details of the Closures
Employees at the Mercier location were informed of their termination at the end of March. Those at the Montreal location are expected to be notified by May 3rd. St-Hubert has affirmed its commitment to meet legal obligations and aims to rehire affected employees at other locations if they desire.
Company Background
St-Hubert, which has been owned by Ontario interests for the past decade, has closed eight restaurants in the last two years while also opening several new locations. Over this period, new St-Hubert establishments were inaugurated in places such as Amos, Gaspé, Saint-Donat, Anjou, and Carrefour Laval.
Future Plans and Investments
Despite the closures, St-Hubert has ambitious plans for expansion. Additional locations are set to open by early summer in various locations including Place Bonaventure, Lachenaie, and Chibougamau. There are also plans to relocate the Laurier restaurant in Quebec City by 2027, with recent announcements about reopening restaurants in Valleyfield and Saint-Eustache in April.
Company Statistics
- Total restaurants: 124 across Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick.
- Annual meals served: over 22 million.
Significant Investments
In a move signaling growth, St-Hubert recently announced a $12 million investment in its processing plants located in Boisbriand and Blainville. This initiative also includes plans for a new research and development center valued at $650,000, alongside further investments into existing restaurants.
Historical Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1951 | The first St-Hubert rotisserie opens on Saint-Hubert Street in Montreal. |
| 1991 | Jean-Pierre Léger, son of the founders, takes over leadership. |
| 2016 | St-Hubert is sold to Recipe Unlimited Corporation for $537 million. |
St-Hubert’s ongoing strategy involves balancing the dynamics of restaurant openings and closures. This approach aims to maintain healthy business operations while continuing to serve millions of customers annually.
