Christian Tondreau is making ready to cross the torch of his firm, based in Verdun in 1986, to the third era.
His son Carl takes over collectively together with his accomplice Stéphanie, the daughter of Christian Tondreau’s spouse.
Tondreau Market rapidly gained a status that as we speak extends past the borough’s borders. “We’ve a loyal clientele. Even after leaving the district, the previous Verdunois proceed to return and purchase their meat and different merchandise from us,” explains Christian Tondreau, who runs the meals butcher store based by his father 37 years in the past.
He’s now making ready to cross the corporate on to the third era. His son Carl has determined to take over the corporate with a accomplice, Stéphanie, daughter of Christian Tondreau’s spouse.
Regardless of their younger age – Carl is 28 and Stéphanie 23 – the long run house owners have a few years of expertise within the native grocery retailer, having labored there throughout their research.
“Right here I used to be captivated with customer support,” says Carl Tondreau, who studied enterprise administration at CEGEP earlier than deciding to work full-time for the household enterprise.
“Carl is in his place in customer support. He even scores higher than me,” says his father, who may be very proud that the grocery retailer stays within the household.
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Consecutive Extensions
Competitors within the buying and selling world is fierce. Nonetheless, Tondreau Market has all the time held its personal, because it has modified lots because it opened. From a easy butcher store that made $300,000 in annual gross sales, it has grown right into a grocery retailer with all kinds of merchandise that now has gross sales of $5 million, explains Christian Tondreau.
Through the years the corporate has undergone a number of expansions. Tondreau Market was initially established on Wellington Avenue and moved to its present location on Verdun Avenue in 1993. Two years later, Christian Tondreau determined to purchase the constructing that housed his firm and which additionally had a fruit store and two flats on the higher ground.
“In 2000 I purchased the fruit retailer, which made it doable to broaden the grocery retailer and diversify the product vary. Later I invested within the renovation of the shop facade and some years later we did the entire renovation of the shop. I additionally transformed one of many flats right into a manufacturing kitchen. That is the place we put together all of the prepared meals and charcuterie that we promote,” says Christian Tondreau, who estimates that he has invested a complete of almost $1 million to enhance the enterprise, which presently spans 1,700 sq. meters.
“I went step-by-step and took calculated dangers,” he says.
high quality merchandise
As we speak, Tondreau Market employs round thirty individuals. He has develop into a pillar of Verdun’s industrial vitality.
“Our clientele has grown with us,” says Christian Tondreau. As we speak we glance after the youngsters and grandchildren of our first clients. Amongst them there are nonetheless some that my father served.
Due to its privileged relationship with clients and private service, Tondreau Market presents a purchasing expertise tough to seek out in massive shops. “We’re continuously adapting our product providing to satisfy our clients’ expectations. For instance, we’re one of many few butchers to supply Wagyu beef, which initially comes from Japan and is understood for its marbled meat. It sells for $400 per kilo and is a product reserved for particular events. We additionally promote a number of top quality meats.”
As well as, there are various do-it-yourself charcuterie, the area of Carl Tondreau, who realized from a grasp charcuterie chef.
As we speak it’s Carl and Stéphanie who run the day-to-day operations, however Christian Tondreau stays shut by.
“As an alternative of working 80 hours per week, I solely work 40,” he laughs.
“Tondreau Market is in good fingers and it’ll keep that manner!” he provides confidently.
Tondreau market
Established date: 1986
Actions: butcher and sausage commerce
Shareholder: Christian Tondreau
Variety of staff: 30