A celebrity chef is taking over Montreal's old Archambault building with his first café
One of Montreal's most recognizable corners is about to look a little different. The former Archambault building at Berri and Sainte-Catherine, which shut its doors in 2021 after more than a century in business, is getting a new tenant, and a big name is behind it.
According to a report from Narcity Quebec, Montreal celebrity chef Laurent Dagenais, known for his huge social media following and new South Shore restaurant Limousine, is opening his first café downtown. The project is called Maison BaultBerri, acting as a nod to the old Archambault name and its location on Berri Street.
From Archambault to Empire
The three-storey building isn't just becoming a café. Back in February, Quebec retailer Empire — a skate and streetwear brand with more than a dozen stores across the province — announced it would be relocating its flagship to the space. Dagenais' 40-seat café-bistro will open inside the new Empire store, which is set to launch in the coming weeks.
Empire previously operated a downtown location on Robert-Bourassa Boulevard but closed it in 2023 due to access and structural issues. Moving into the old Archambault site brings the brand back to the core, while adding a culinary draw at the same time.
Who is Laurent Dagenais?
Dagenais first made his mark as a content creator during the pandemic, posting playful, high-energy cooking videos that quickly went viral.
His following has since grown to nearly two million on Instagram, helping propel him into book deals, collaborations, and now restaurants. He's also collaborated with the likes of Benny Blanco and fellow Canadian chef Matty Matheson.
Earlier this year, Dagenais opened Restaurant Limousine in Saint-Lambert, and Maison BaultBerri marks his first venture into Montreal's downtown food scene.
What's on the menu?
The café's menu sticks to Dagenais' style of elevated comfort food. Expect:
- Coffee, matcha, and smoothies
- Tartines on sourdough, like PB&J, avocado, or mushroom toast
- Sandwiches such as jambon-beurre, chicken Caesar, and gravlax bagel
- Bowls, soups, and fresh salads
- House-made desserts
Meals will range from about $11 to $19, using fresh ingredients from Montreal suppliers.
Opening details
- Name: Maison BaultBerri Café Bistro
- Opening: October 25, 2025 (Empire store opens October 18)
- Address: 1275 rue Berri, Montreal
