Marché La Pantry

Coming from the world of catering, Montrealers Marilyn Surprenant and Hayley Smirnow always dreamed of reducing the waste and pollution associated with the food industry.

With this ecological mindset, in November 2015 they opened Marché La Pantry with their associate, Julien Aubin. The goal of the store was for them to have more control over the business, while nourishing their passion for cooking. "There is a lot of waste in the restaurant industry," explains Hayley. "It's much easier to have control by having your own market."

Marché La Pantry, located in St-Henri, is designed like a general store — you can buy a range of items, including toilet paper and anything you might find in a pantry. But you can also feast on loaves of bread, turnovers, cakes or fresh sandwiches, all prepared daily with love. "We are one of the few hybrid markets of this kind in the neighbourhood," explains Hayley, who has experience as a chef.

The biggest sellers are the breakfast and lunch sandwiches. "Everyone loves the fresh bread! People often come back again."