After more than a century of activity, a bakery in Jonquière is about to close its doors for good.
Éric Émond, owner of L'Artisan Boulanger, recently announced that his business will cease operations on January 31, ending a family saga that spanned several generations.
A family legacy
The history of this bakery dates back to 1921, when Éric Émond’s grandfather founded the company.
For almost 102 years, this bakery has been a pillar of the community, offering quality artisanal products to residents of Jonquière and the surrounding area.
Unfortunately, the company faces obstacles that have made its continuity impossible. Éric Émond explains that customer traffic has decreased significantly, resulting in a significant drop in sales.
It mentions a reduction of about 35% in sales, with some days only achieving half the usual volume.
The ongoing work at Faubourg Sagamie has also had a negative impact on the bakery’s activity. Although the owner hoped that building new apartments nearby would boost business, the extended delays in this project contributed to his decision to close.
Lack of replacement
Another crucial factor in this decision is the lack of a successor to take over the business. Éric Émond, approaching retirement, realized that the expectation of a possible economic recovery linked to new real estate developments would take him too far in his career.
It was with a heavy heart that Éric Emond shared the news on social media, expressing his gratitude to his loyal clientele for their support over the past 23 years.
Despite the closure, he has suggested that he may remain active in the bakery business in one form or another.
Community's response
The announcement caused a wave of emotion among the people in the region. Many customers expressed their sadness and appreciation to the Artisan Baker for his years of service and the quality of its products.
The closure of this 100-year-old bakery marks the end of an era for Jonquière, leaving a void in the culinary and cultural landscape of the region. It also highlights the challenges faced by small family businesses in a constantly changing economic environment.
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