Robin des Bois

Nonprofit Restaurant Robin Des Bois Plans Dinner Events Where Groups Cook for Themselves, and Those in Need | Eater Montreal

"After a major fire at its St‑Laurent Boulevard location on June 28, the fifteen‑year‑old nonprofit relocated into La Fontaine Park’s chalet and has been given the green light to stay at least six more months; I observed the change of scenery pushed the team to double down on its socially driven mandate. Table service has been eliminated and replaced with a canteen model where diners pick up items like tartare, waffles, salads, or sandwiches at a counter, and all profits continue to be channeled back to partner organizations (Sun Youth, Le Chainon, Le Refuge des Jeunes, and Santropol Roulant). Large‑group reservations now come with a condition: guests must participate in “private helping parties,” cooking roughly ten meals each on selected nights for distribution to groups tackling poverty and food insecurity — “you can drink, and you can party, but you will be cooking,” as founder Judy Servay puts it. The luminous, cafeteria‑like space has been warmed with plants and living‑room furniture, making it cozy for working or studying, and in winter patrons can lounge in Adirondack chairs by an outdoor heater with mulled wine and French onion soup. The volunteer‑run operation also plans to use the room for regular events like yoga, bingo, movie screenings, and live music, though relocating into the park has brought challenges: no cars allowed, more dog‑walking foot traffic, and unpredictable nearby parking. I noted that the team had previously expanded takeout, delivery, and a grocery section during the pandemic, and that Robin des Bois is currently open Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m." - Valerie Silva