Legendary Magnan Tavern to Close After 82 Years in Pointe-Saint-Charles

Magnan, a mainstay on the corner of Saint-Patrick and Charlevoix since 1932, will close on December 21. The iconic tavern and roast beef pusher, founded by Marie-Ange and Armand Magnan 82 years ago, made it official today. Incessant construction work, stiff competition and the prohibitively high and rising cost of beef, it seems, have all conspired to do the restaurant in.

Here, the translated statement from Magnan president Alain Gauthier.

It is with great sadness and emotion that the Magnan family announced today to its employees the final closure of the famous Taverne Magnan, opened in 1932 by Marie-Ange and Armand Magnan.

The tavern will remain open until December 21, 2014 to allow everyone to live one last time Magnan experience.

Thus, the closure marks the end of the adventure of the Magnan family in the field of restauration. Our industry is going through hard times especially for restaurants in one place like ours. Each week, several restaurants open and close in Montreal. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of renewal accompanied by significant investments, we have not been able to ensure the profitability of this institution so dear to our hearts.

Our customers and employees were the first witnesses of the significant customer decline over the last 10 years. Endless road work drove away customers from the South Shore who must now navigate 8 km in 1 hour rather than 10 minutes. Let's add to that the various tax measures that affected restaurants in recent years, difficulties in recruiting staff due to too many restaurants in the Montreal market and fierce competition from large restaurant chains and shopping centres that offer bundled meals at over 50% off! All these factors make it impossible for the survival of institutions like ours. In addition, the skyrocketing cost of beef has had a negative impact on the profitability of the company, and it was out of the question for Magnan decrease the quality of its product. All of these have killed us slowly over the years.

Moreover, the Magnan family wishes to reassure employees and customers of the Boucherie Magnan kitchen. Indeed, the closing of the tavern will not affect the branch located in the Quartier DIX30 in Brossard, which will continue to operate normally. This is the new direction that the Magnan family intends to continue on. Wait for a new announcement in the coming weeks.

The Magnan family wishes to thank its loyal customers and dedicated employees who accompanied them since 1932 in the fabulous experience of Taverne Magnan. All these wonderful memories are rooted forever in our hearts.

Alain Gauthier, President and CEO

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