Simone Chevalot: The Woman Even Before the Buvette

Simone Chevalot is the woman behind the iconic Buvette Chez Simone. Opened in June 2008 on Avenue du Parc, the address was an instant success and quickly carved out its place in Montreal’s landscape. It’s the kind of spot you visit spontaneously—for a thoughtfully chosen glass of wine, a few plates to share, and that simple feeling that the evening is in good hands.

Although Simone is more discreet than in the early days, the momentum and passion remain unchanged.

“When my team allows it,” she says with a smile, “I still love being on the floor. What makes me happiest is welcoming guests. I often stay at the beginning of the evening to soak in the atmosphere, reconnect with regulars, see familiar faces. Everything happens organically thanks to the team’s know-how. It’s beautiful to witness, and it still brings me so much joy.”

Portrait of a humble and inspiring entrepreneur.

It All Began at the National Theatre School

Simone attended the National Theatre School and, before, during, and after her studies, worked as a server in several restaurants, including Pistou, L’Express (where she first developed an interest in wine), Le Petit Italien, and many others. She graduated in 1999 and began auditioning, waiting to fully earn her living as an actress.

Over time, she realized what would become decisive for her:

“I realized that the only thing I knew how to do—and that truly made me happy—was being in service.”

Slowly but surely, Buvette Chez Simone began to take shape.

The Idea Behind the Buvette

Simone dreamed of a European-style buvette: inclusive, unpretentious, free of protocol. A long counter, wine, charcuterie, cheeses, brandade.

“At the time my partners and I created the buvette, we would go out for dinner at one place and then for drinks somewhere else. We dreamed of a space where you could do it all—eat well, or simply drink well, in a lively setting. Today, the boundaries between restaurant and bar are much more fluid.”

Why Avenue du Parc?

“I grew up on Parc! I spent my teenage years on Parc. I have a deep attachment to this street—it’s unlike anywhere else. Different communities mix with Outremont’s more polished side and Mile End hipsters. I love that eclectic blend, and I truly wanted to open something in this neighborhood.”

Simone developed the idea over several months, surrounding herself with trusted people from the industry. A pivotal meeting with Gabrielle Bélanger—whom she had known from her time at Le Petit Italien—solidified the project. With five partners at the time, the team gave birth to what would become the iconic Buvette Chez Simone: conceived as a living space where wine is central, yet never intimidating.

Once the location was secured, they entrusted the design to Zébulon Perron—one of his first major projects. The space quickly established its identity, and to this day, the décor remains perfectly aligned with the spirit of the buvette.

What Defines the Spirit of Buvette Chez Simone?

“We think of something affordable, warm, convivial, welcoming. But also the spontaneity of going out—being fully in the present moment.

That said, with the current economic climate, inflation, and the exorbitant cost of food, it’s becoming difficult to reconcile that sincere desire to remain affordable. You can feel the precarity, and it’s heartbreaking that for many, going to a restaurant has become a luxury.

Despite everything, I continue to believe that—even in winters like the ones we’re experiencing now, when simply leaving home feels difficult—walking through a door into a lively space of sharing and connection remains essential.”

“Hospitality is hard, but it’s also incredibly beautiful. What moves me most is the harmony of a space—where friendships are formed, couples sometimes meet, and memories are created.”

The Buvette as an Anchor

Simone’s projects followed one another. In 2012, she helped open Furco, then Café Parvis in 2013. Bar à Flot followed in fall 2021, the little sister to the Buvette.

“It was a project we were very proud of—a shooting star that brightened our gray pandemic days.”

In 2023, Simone stepped away from the Furco-Parvis partnership, wanting to focus more on her other ventures and leave room for those managing daily operations.

Then, in 2025, she and Gabrielle made the heartbreaking decision not to continue with Bar à Flot, choosing instead to dedicate themselves fully to Buvette Chez Simone.

What Explains the Buvette’s Ongoing Success?

“There was a huge influx from the start, and the pandemic shifted our identity somewhat. We’re getting older, and so is our clientele. We realized we maybe no longer wanted to emphasize the ‘bar until 3 a.m.’ aspect.

In the end, I think we’ve come out ahead because our front-of-house team is very stable. Gabrielle and I can focus on our mandate: ensuring quality and consistency. We also offer a better quality of life to our employees—they’re happy to be there, and I hope that shows.”

Perhaps that’s the Buvette’s secret: consistency.

“I also have to say that Gabrielle is essential to the Buvette’s longevity. We’re a duo that complements each other beautifully on a daily basis—it’s rare and precious.”

“We’re very proud to have been among the first to develop this identity—the ‘marriage’ between restaurant and bar, and putting wine at the forefront in an approachable way. Today there are buvettes in every neighborhood, and we feel a certain pride in having contributed to that.”

Advice for the Next Generation?

“My advice is always the same: truly understand what hospitality is and the challenges involved. This industry is unique. You can’t really apply business concepts if you haven’t lived in it. Becoming a restaurateur isn’t something you improvise—it requires an incredible capacity to adapt.”

“You can’t open something without wanting to put your whole heart into it. You can’t just want to make money—it won’t work. You have to commit at the highest level.”

“Hospitality can be extremely ephemeral. There’s excitement around a place—like around a person—and then suddenly, interest shifts. You have to readjust quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to be well surrounded, to have solid foundations and clear financial terms.”

The Women’s Accelerator: A Gift

Simone says it plainly: she is immensely grateful that La Table Ronde exists. Even with a precious partner like Gabrielle, daily life in hospitality can feel isolating. The Women’s Accelerator arrived as a space to breathe, reflect, learn, and exchange with peers.

Selected for her growth potential, strategic vision, and impact on the industry, Simone sees it as a rare opportunity to discuss the challenges women face in hospitality.

“It’s an immense privilege to explore topics related to my daily life as a restaurateur with my peers. To benefit from the guidance of a coach and a mentor—the need to recharge in such a fast-moving industry is huge. It’s a great gift from La Table Ronde.”

What she hopes to gain is simple, yet profound: tools to keep going without burning out.

“I’ve learned a lot, especially financially; I didn’t have that background when I opened the buvette. But I think my strength—and what has always guided me—is the human element.”

And that human element is evident in how she works: in joy, yes—but above all, in listening.

“I need to hear my team’s perspectives,” she says. Because the buvette is also that: collective energy and a sense of complicity you can feel.

What Do We Wish for Buvette Chez Simone in the Years to Come?

“We hope our guests keep showing up, that we continue to evolve without losing our identity. To adapt, remain true to our values, and continuously reconnect with our clientele.”

We wish you all of that—and more.

Long live Buvette Chez Simone.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery