Peter Black

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

Feb. 7, 2024

There is uncertainty about the future of a small independent grocery store considered to be the heart of Ave. Cartier. 

Provisions Inc. has been closed for several weeks, with a sign on the door saying “Fermeture pour Travaux.” According to numerous reports, the closing is the result of the owners, a couple from France, abandoning the business, selling their house in Sillery and either returning to France or otherwise going incommunicado.

A report in the Journal de Québec said the couple, Christophe and Stéphanie Bouillon, closed up shop owing six employees two weeks’ pay.

The building, which has two upstairs apartments, is for sale for $4 million through a real estate firm. According to the Journal, the Bouillons are also in default of their mortgage on the building.

The Bouillons bought the business last year from the Drouin family that founded the grocery 75 years ago. Cousins Vincent and Bruno Drouin said at the time they sold the business because the younger generation of the family did not want to take over. 

The Drouins filed a legal claim in January to try to collect some $400,000 still owed them by the French buyers.

Besides being a thriving independent grocery, Provisions Inc. was a mini market during the summer months for local fruits and vegetables.

    30 

Provisions Inc. has been closed and the building is for sale after French buyers apparently abandoned the business.

Photo by Peter Black