Originally from the Portneuf region, the two entrepreneurs in their early thirties have plenty of ideas. Ten years ago, as part of a university project, they made a business plan for the acquisition of Chez Ashton.
Discussions with the founder of the institution in the Quebec region, Ashton Leblond, began more than three years ago. The couple still has difficulty believing that the transaction is now complete.
It’s a dream we’ve been cherishing for more than ten years. When we woke up this morning, we pinched ourselves a bit to make sure we were really in the real world. We are super happy and honored
says Jean-Christophe Lirette.
Institution
Ashton Leblond opened the first of his 23 branches in L’Ancienne-Lorette in 1969. He has been approached several times in recent years by restaurant conglomerates. He preferred to sell to young entrepreneurs in the region.
I am proud to pass the torch to Emily and Jean-Christophe. They are from the region, they are young and they have the necessary experience. But above all, we have the same values. For me, it was important that the succession be ensured by people from here who care about the company and the vitality of the region.
explains in a press release the founder of Chez Ashton.
One of the new owners, Jean-Christophe Lirette, said on the microphone of the program Première Heure that they would not change the restaurant poutine recipe.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Felix Morrissette-Beaulieu
Jean-Christophe Lirette also sees many similarities between Chez Ashton and his entrepreneurial values.
% Quebecois, the freshness, the quality of the dishes, the pride of the team members. It comes out in the atmosphere too. It’s really the company we had been planning to acquire since day one”,”text”:”A 100% Quebec company, the freshness, the quality of the dishes, the pride of the team members. It comes out in the atmosphere too. It’s really the company we had been planning to acquire since day one”}}”>A 100% Quebec company, the freshness, the quality of the dishes, the pride of the team members. It comes out in the atmosphere too. It’s really the company we were planning to acquire from day one.
he points out.
Expected growth
The new owners assure the 650 employees of the restaurant chain famous for its poutine that jobs will be maintained. The company’s head office will also remain in Quebec.
They have also developed a growth plan for the next few years.
Current restaurants will be renovated, while retaining the vintage aspect of the chain. The opening of new restaurants is also planned.
We believe that there is still room to consolidate the Quebec City region and then expand to the outskirts. The opening of two to three branches from 2023 would be realistic. We don’t want to skip Stages, we want to do things right
says Jean-Christophe Lirette.
The co-owners will count on the support of Jean Côté. This shareholder has been a manager for Chez Ashton restaurants for 25 years.
The acquisition, the amount of which has not been disclosed, is also financed by Desjardins Capital, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and CIBC.