François Dénommé: 26, Cool, Depanneur

Credit text and photos: Laurence Dompierre-Major, Radio-Canada

It is hard to imagine that François Dénommé, 26, has recently bought a convenience store. Located on the residential street of Chambly, in the heart of the popular Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district, the convenience store Chez François is now part of the daily life of Hochelaga residents.

For a long time, the general store, epicenter of the Quebec villages, played the role of social core. Let us remember this great classic of Quebec cinema, Mon Oncle Antoine, by Claude Jutra, where the general store of Blake Lake, now Thetford Mines, is the most frequented place of the village. The general store has always been a place for meetings, confidences and gossip.

“I found interesting the idea of ​​owning a convenience store and wanted to offer microbrewery beers because I love them. I also liked the idea of ​​a small local shop. “

François acknowledges that this was a daunting challenge, but he was ready to meet it. When François’ father learned about this — he had owned a convenience store at the age of 22 — he tried to dissuade his son until the last minute. “He almost cried in desperation! But today he is proud of me. ”

This convenience store, which did not look very well, had to be completely refurbished. New facade, fresh paint, flower boxes on the front, decorations on the walls, the young owner has done everything to revive this corner of the neighborhood that needed it. For nearly a month, the neighbors came every day to thank him for having embellished their environment. “People tell me it’s nice to get around now. ”

 

Owner and sole employee, François works 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. His clients know him well, even after six months.

“Here, I offer free consultation. Clients love chatting with me. ” At first, several bystanders were surprised to see that he was saying hello and asked them how they were going. “They said,” This is the first time I’ve been asked this in a convenience store! “

This role of confidant, François likes it a lot. And he does so with courtesy. Often, to everyone’s delight, he offers samples of microbrewery beers and helps his customers discover new brands and flavours. “Being close to people is part of my definition of local commerce. ”

Today, depanneurs are part of the Quebec society fabric. Not only are they numerous, but they are also deeply anchored in Montreal’s culture. Despite their almost sacred character, depanneur do not have it easy. Why embarking on such a crazy project? ” Why not? replied François.

Here, the Labatts meets the Oshlags in the beer fridge. For François, it was important to keep selling commercial beers, not just micro brands.

“I did not want to come here like an extraterrestrial. You can not arrive overnight and tell the customers “you will not be able to come in and get your Bud now”. ”

The residents of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve still rely a lot on convenience stores, recalls the retailer. It is a reality of which he is aware. “You have to take the pulse of the people around. This is what will ensure the depanneurs survival. ”