Roxy Focaccia: a permanent spot on St-Zotique

In the summer of 2024, at the Jean-Talon Market, an improvised little counter became one of the most charming stories of the season: Roxy Focaccia. Roxanna, her brother Mauro (San Gennaro), her sister Elisa, and two friends, Vincent Romito and Adamo Urgolo, launched a sandwich pop-up “just for fun” — a nod to the lunchbox classics of their childhood and a tribute to their Italian roots. The success was immediate: market regulars wanted to know where to find “the real” Roxy Focaccia. At the time, the whole crew still had day jobs, and none of them imagined this side project would become a career.

But the demand was impossible to ignore, and it pushed them to dream up a permanent location. They eventually found a space on Saint-Zotique Street, right beside La Lune Rotisserie, and spent nearly a year transforming it. On November 22, the doors officially opened.

In the meantime, the team had already taken things a step further: by the second summer, they started making their own bread. Their now-famous focaccia is prepared fresh on-site every day. It’s the star ingredient — soft, airy — that elevates each sandwich and gives the counter its unique signature. A Montréal–Italian interpretation built on simple, local, high-quality ingredients; and when they don’t come from Quebec, they come straight from Italy.

The menu changes every two to three months, following the seasons and the team’s inspiration. Right now, a roasted squash, salami cotto, Québec stracciatella and spiced honey sandwich celebrates squash season, while another featuring speck and fennel also reflects this evolving rhythm. In total, no fewer than eight sandwiches are currently on the menu, so there truly is something for every taste! We highly recommend adding grated Parmesan and a spoonful of bomba to your sandwich — it gives it a serious kick, and it’s free! They also offer catering and corporate lunch boxes, perfect for enjoying their cult focaccia at the office.

Though Roxy is located in the basement, the space has generous windows that bring in light and warmth. A palette of aged green and dusty pink dresses the interior — a beautiful mix with the wood and concrete accents. There are around ten seats for anyone wishing to sit down and savour their sandwich, though it’s mainly a fantastic grab-and-go option. The new location was designed by architect Louis Petrusiak and designer Véronique Meunier.

Roxy Focaccia is living proof that when you do what you love, it can take you far.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: November 28, 2025

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