Patty Slaps Finally Opens at Royalmount — And It Was Worth the Wait

When Patty Slaps burst onto Montreal’s restaurant scene in the summer of 2023, burger lovers quickly took notice. Co-founded by Ehsan Baghaki, Hamed Massoumi, Mohammad Mehmanchi and Keyvan Moradi, the concept built a devoted following at its downtown Ste. Catherine Street location near Concordia University.

So when Royalmount announced Patty Slaps as one of its marquee restaurant tenants 18 months ago, anticipation began to build.

Enjoying my burger.

Rather than rushing into a second location, the owners took their time, carefully refining the brand and ensuring the quality that made the original such a success would carry over to a much larger stage. Their patience paid off. On Grand Prix Weekend, May 23, Patty Slaps officially opened its doors at Royalmount, and I was among those invited to a VIP preview.

Perched on the mall’s second level, the sleek and spacious restaurant seats more than 90 guests, with a large terrace overlooking the entire complex set to open soon. Guests can place orders at self-serve kiosks or directly at the counter before staff deliver the food right to their table.

The star attraction, of course, is the smash burger.

Patty Slaps has built its reputation around juicy halal smash patties served on rich pretzel buns and topped with a variety of creative combinations. I sampled the Psycho Patty, a towering creation featuring two perfectly smashed beef patties, melted yellow cheese, caramelized onions and the restaurant’s signature homemade mayo.

Marketing Director Melina Yousefi proudly pointed out that all of the buns and sauces are made in-house, a detail that helps distinguish Patty Slaps from the crowded burger field. She also revealed that a new chicken burger and a line of milkshakes will soon join the menu.

Among the early fans is Royalmount visionary Andrew Lutfy, who could barely contain his enthusiasm when recalling his first Patty Slaps experience.

“It was epic,” he told me. “I am a sucker for a good burger.”

Melina Yousefi, Mohammad Mehmanchi, Keyvan Moradi, Ken Bernard and his wife.

Another satisfied customer was Ken Bernard, the entrepreneur behind the wildly successful Sugar Fluffs cotton candy and snack empire, which operates at Royalmount and several other locations. Bernard, along with his wife and two sons, gave Patty Slaps a resounding thumbs-up after sampling the burgers.

Yousefi emphasized that the ownership group remains committed to sustainable growth. Despite the brand’s popularity, they have no intention of expanding too quickly or rushing into franchising opportunities.

“The focus is on maintaining quality,” she explained. “Everything comes back to making sure the product stays at the top of its game.”

One final touch caught my attention: Patty Slaps is dog-friendly. In fact, four-legged visitors are treated like VIPs too, with a complimentary unseasoned burger patty available for Fido.

That’s the kind of detail that turns a good burger joint into a memorable destination.

Patty Slaps is located on the second level of Royalmount above the urban park. For menu information, visit PattySlaps.com.

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Petros Taverna Laurier opens its terrasse in the Mile End

Summer has finally arrived and that means terrasse season.  Petros Taverna Laurier, located between Parc and Esplanade, is a popular spot year-round. Besides its lovely dining area, there is another nice room in the back reserved for private gatherings.

A look at the terrasse.

Chef Rahman and his team know that people love to eat outdoors and their terrasse is a favorite. This is a great street for people watching. There is plenty of meter parking in the area.  They are open for lunch and dinner every day and evening, except Monday.

Chef Rahman

Flexible group menus are available. Try their declicious chopped salads and a wide array of appetizers. From fresh baked fish, to chicken brochette, grilled lambchops, steak, shrimp and more, it is no wonder people keep coming back.

Call 514-312-0200 or log on to www.restaurantpetros.ca

Foodtastic announces a deal to bring Dunkin (Donuts) back to Canada

 Remember Dunkin Donuts? With the likes of Homer's/Homies, Bernie Beigne,  Frost'd , Krispy Kreme and of course Tim Horton filling our sweet tooth needs, I  still recall those days when a Dunkin Donut shop appeared to be at every block. 

Now rebranded as simply "Dunkin," the celebrated franchise will be returning to Canada. Foodtastic, one of Canada’s leading restaurant operators, has announced  a master franchising agreement with Inspire Brands to open hundreds of Dunkin’ locations across the country.

Under the new agreement, Foodtastic will have exclusive rights to develop the Dunkin’ brand nationally through both corporate and franchise-operated locations. This expansion strengthens Foodtastic’s relationship with Inspire Brands and adds a globally recognized coffee and donut concept to its Canadian portfolio.

“Bringing Dunkin’ back to Canada is a significant growth opportunity for Foodtastic and our franchise partners across the country,” said Peter Mammas, Foodtastic Founder and CEO. “This agreement demonstrates the strength of our relationship with Inspire Brands and the confidence we have built together through our work with Jimmy John’s in Canada. We are committed to growing the Dunkin’ brand thoughtfully to meet the needs of Canadian guests and communities.”

The first Dunkin’ location in Canada is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. No word yet whether it will be in Montreal.  Foodtastic will manage market development, franchisee recruitment, and operations in Canada. The menu will feature a wide range of hot and iced coffees, espresso beverages, teas, donuts, sandwiches, and snacks.

“Dunkin’s international footprint continues to thrive, so we are excited to bring this iconic brand to Canada through a strong, like-minded partner,” said Michael Haley, President of International at Inspire Brands. “Foodtastic has a proven track record of successfully growing leading restaurant brands, already established with their early progress growing Jimmy John’s. We value the shared commitment, operational expertise, and long-term vision they bring to this partnership.

This agreement further strengthens the partnership between the two companies and reinforces Foodtastic’s role as a Canadian growth partner for global restaurant brands.à

For over 75 years, Dunkin' has been a global leader in coffee and donuts, with more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 markets. Details on the first Canadian location, market rollout, and franchise opportunities will be shared as development progresses. For franchising inquiries and more information on Dunkin’s expansion in Canada, visit foodtastic.ca/dunkin.

Foodtastic, of course,  is a leading Canadian restaurant franchisor with a portfolio of 27 diverse brands and over 1,200 establishments across the country. As a growing industry player, Foodtastic focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and the legacy of local brands to drive both national and international expansion. Iconic brands include Rotisseries Benny, La Belle et La Bœuf, Monza, Second Cup, Quesada, Freshii, and Pita Pit, among others. With a bold vision and strong franchise partnerships, Foodtastic continues to build a dynamic and influential presence in the global food service industry. More information is available at www.foodtastic.ca.

Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants.

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