Amgad Elkhayat

The Anticafé Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is a surprising and inviting, eclectic and fascinating place – a rare breed that combines the roles of coffee shop, work or play space, theatre, second-hand bookstore, antique shop, gym, and even a pet shop and dog park. But beyond all that it has to offer, the store is mainly a place to meet.

"It's almost a community feel here, because we aren't a company that's run to maximize profits," says the friendly and enthusiastic owner, David Chevrier. "What we want is for it to remain accessible. Everyone has a place here. There's such a warm environment to the place, which lends itself to meetings, sharing and happiness."

David is a project developer who has always worked in event management, communications and marketing, and is the former director of the Promenades Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. A few years ago, he was approached by two Russian-born entrepreneurs who wanted to set up a concept from the great Soviet country in Montréal. The basic principle? Pay by the hour and enjoy a place and all it has to offer, including drinks and snacks.

After opening a first Anticafé in downtown Montréal, David felt that his neighbourhood, where he's lived since the late '90s, would be the perfect place to start a second shop. He opened the second Anticafé Hochelaga-Maisonneuve on his own in April 2016.