The Former Chez Boris Location Will Become a Vegan Fast-Casual Chain

The chainification of Mile End continues, as fast-casual vegan eatery Copper Branch appears to be taking over the former location of beloved doughnut and coffee spot Chez Boris.

A huge billboard has been placed over the Parc Avenue premises, with a blown-up image of the chain’s veggie and grain bowls displayed prominently. The space had otherwise sat empty for well over a year, after the building’s landlord refused to renew the café’s lease.

While the billboard implores Mile Enders to “joignez la révolution alimentaire”, someone quickly swooped in with a Sharpie to cross out “révolution” and write “dépossession” in its place.

For Copper Branch, the Parc location is just one amidst a massive expansion, with many new locations slated for Quebec and Ontario, alongside a few in Alberta, Paris, and a New York City outlet.

But for locals, it could be a symptom of the fact more chains seem to be trying their luck in the neighbourhood lately, which is rapidly becoming a tourist hub. Amid rising rents and concerns about gentrification, a location for Vancouver activewear chain Lululemon that opened on St-Viateur Street is the most obvious example. A few doors along from that, a location of QDC Burger, the upscale burger chain from Montreal restaurateur Peter Morentzos, is also brand new on the scene.

Eater Montreal

While Chez Boris’ former owner Boris Volfson didn’t give a word-based reaction, his brief response to this news on Twitter was not exactly joyous.

• Montreal Vegan Juggernaut Copper Branch Has Big Expansion Plans [EMTL]
• Mile End Doughnut Hub Chez Boris is Closing [EMTL]
• One Year After Closing, Hôtel Herman’s Space Is Still Totally Vacant [EMTL]