Pataterie Chez Philippe opened its doors on Amherst Street on September 6, 1962, back when Jean Drapeau was the mayor of Montreal. At that time, Philippe Hachez was the sole employee of the restaurant, which was owned by Normand Bourdeau, the man behind Normand Patates. Less than two years later, Philippe bought the Faubourg à m'lasse restaurant from his mentor and became its official owner in 1964.

Philippe’s son, John, began cutting potatoes there on weekends from the age of 10. At 16, he left home and moved to Montreal, where he studied during the day and made a living at night. He explored other avenues for a short time, but returned to work for his father at the age of 20. Then in 1988, he bought Pataterie Chez Philippe, which he then sold to his daughter, Mélanie, in 2012. A bit like John, Mélanie  learned the trade from her father when she was 12, and she had gained experience elsewhere, notably at a large financial institution, before carrying on the torch.