La Maison des bières in the Village
Since July 2024, a new sign has graced the building at the corner of Sainte-Catherine and Papineau in the Village: la Maison des bières. You won't find hamburgers or chicken nuggets there… remember, the last tenant was a MacDonald. Now you'll find beer, cider, wine, kombucha, and several other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
La Maison des bières has been a fixture on the Plateau Mont-Royal since July 2013. Its owner, Marc Antoine Gagnon, had a keen interest in the brewing world long before that date. After more than three years of market research, a beer sommelier course and a tasting course, he finally went into business.
It took exactly 11 years before he decided to move forward with a second location. Now in business with his partner, Barbara Aburtto Alarcon, who shares his passion for Québec microbreweries and artisanal terroir products, la Maison des bières is now targeting the Village market and surrounding neighbourhoods. With her strong work ethic and experience in retail, she has completely revolutionized the shop's design and marketing.
Met in his new premises on opening day, Marc Antoine Gagnon explained that he had been looking for a location in the area for more than 2.5 years. He is aware of the real estate development under way for several years in the centre-sud: projects like the former Radio-Canada building, the new building next to his store, which will soon house a Maxi supermarket with apartments on the upper floors, and the residential buildings springing up like mushrooms east of the Pont Jacques-Cartier, among others. All of this will bring tens of thousands of new residents with good incomes, so the development potential is clearly there.
He and his partner see things far beyond the current problems that many in the Village are denouncing and criticizing. They have no intention of burying their heads in the sand; quite the opposite. They believe they can bring an interesting new dynamic to this corner of the neighbourhood, attracting a clientele that appreciates the type of products he offers.
La Maison des bières offers a vast selection of beers from Québec microbreweries and features products made by local artisans. They carry a selection of more than 1200 different beers from over 120 microbreweries in Québec (and Ontario), in addition to other products. They do not carry commercial products such as those found in grocery and convenience stores. Customers always have access to advisors, available 7 days a week.
A visit to the premises will convince even the most sceptical (and there are several) that such a business is viable in the neighbourhood. You'll also meet the canine mascot of la Maison des bières, a beautiful young American Akita who greets customers calmly and affectionately, despite his imposing size. 
La Maison des bières
maisondesbieres.ca
1703, rue Sainte-Catherine est
Montréal (Qc) H2L 2J5
514 419-1591
Plateau Mont-Royal
4485, rue de Lanaudière
Montréal (Qc) H2J 3P3
514 564-3100