In the picture: Jay El-Jalkh from Presse Café St-Hilaire and Emmanuel Robin at our Training Center at Presse Café 3563 Saint-Laurent Blvd.Before becoming a Presse Café franchisee, candidates must complete a few weeks of training. It's meant to teach them how to prepare our exclusive recipes as well as all the aspects of managing a Presse Café store.

The new franchisee of Presse Café St-Hilaire considers himself lucky because he discovered at the age of 39 his real vocation. Greeting people, cooking for them and offering them a second home, the time of a meal or a coffee, was always a thrill for him. He loves people and takes a great pleasure serving them as a restaurant owner.

We asked him to describe his journey a little more.

Before joining Presse Café network, I worked in the hotels and restaurants field for 18 years and between Hotel Management studies, Sommelier Training at the ITHQ, working shifts at receptions, nights’ auditions, room service at hotels and as a waiter at restaurants, I learned my job.

When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a singer, a dancer, a doctor, a fireman, an architect, a chef like any kid of my age. Then with time, the idea of owning my own restaurant grew and took roots in me.

Now, I will have the chance to welcome the locals in the Presse Café and somehow be there for them while they’re enjoying their relaxation moments outside the office hours or school or home.

Do I need to add that I am already thrilled at the idea of being part of this great community that revolves around Presse Café morning, noon and evening?

Presse Café Mont St-Hilaire is open from 6 am to 7 pm on weekdays, and from 7 am to 7 pm on weekends.

Click the link below to follow on Facebook the news of Presse Café Mont-St-Hilaire and the coffee contests: fb.com/pressecafe.msh