Sabor Latino Andes Épicerie & Restaurant Comptoir

When it opened in 1984, Sabor Latino was the first and only Latino store in Montreal. It was only one small room and functioned as a video and grocery store, renting and selling movies. The owners were the first importer of Latin foods in the city. It later expanded into the adjoining room and added a butchers shop. The restaurant opened in 1998. Initially, it was just a counter service. Then when the shop expanded again the restaurant got its own room.

“Since it’s been here since ’84 all Latinos know it. It has a reputation that draws people here,” owner Juan Jose Pabon explains. “Our family took it over in 2002.” The original owners had other business interests, including Voyage Andes, a travel agency, across the street. The store took a lot of work and attention so they eventually decided to sell it.