---
title: "Poutine Chain Ashton Opens First Montréal Location at Complexe Desjardins"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/ashton-poutine-opens-montreal-complexe-desjardins-bijxb
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-12T00:45:43.305Z
modified: 2026-08-12T03:45:13.193Z
language: en-IN
---

# Poutine Chain Ashton Opens First Montréal Location at Complexe Desjardins

Poutine chain Ashton has officially opened its first restaurant in Montréal at the Complexe Desjardins on August 10th. The opening follows a successful test market in Mirabel and aims to tap into the Montréal culinary scene.

## Key takeaways

- Ashton, a poutine chain, has officially opened its first restaurant in Montréal on August 10th.
- The new location is situated in the Complexe Desjardins.
- This opening follows a successful test market in Mirabel and previous unsuccessful attempts in Montréal decades ago.
- The chain acquired La Banquise in 2023.

## What Happened

The poutine chain Ashton has opened its doors in Montréal for the first time. The new location is situated within the Complexe Desjardins and began operations on August 10th. The announcement was made by the chain's owners, Émily Adam and Jean-Christophe Lirette, via social media.

## Background

This marks Ashton's return to Montréal after earlier attempts in the 1980s by founder Ashton Leblond to establish restaurants on Mont-Royal Avenue and in Laval, both of which eventually closed. The recent success of its Mirabel location, which opened in October 2025 and surpassed expectations, served as a catalyst for this expansion into the greater Montréal area. The Mirabel test allowed the owners to gauge client expectations and market demands in the region.

Ashton's entry into Montréal also occurs three years after the acquisition of La Banquise, a well-known poutine establishment in the city. This strategic move provides Ashton's co-owners with insights into the preferences of Montréal diners.

## Key Facts

- Ashton opened its first Montréal restaurant at the Complexe Desjardins on August 10th.

- The announcement was made by owners Émily Adam and Jean-Christophe Lirette.

- A previous attempt by the chain to establish itself in Montréal in the 1980s was unsuccessful.

- Ashton opened a location in Mirabel in October 2025, which served as a successful prelude to the Montréal opening.

- Ashton acquired La Banquise in 2023.

- The new Montréal franchise will be operated by Simon Robitaille.

- The chain was founded in 1969.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/ashton-poutine-opens-montreal-complexe-desjardins-bijxb
Reported from: Multiple Sources