Poulet Rouge, a Quebec-based fast-casual restaurant known for customizable grilled chicken bowls, is preparing to open a new location in the food court at The Shops at Pickering City Centre, at 1355 Kingston Road in Pickering.
The new food court location will replace the former Caribbean Hotpot space, according to Future Durham. An exact opening timeline has not yet been confirmed. Customers can expect Poulet Rouge’s build-your-own-bowl format featuring grilled chicken, fresh bases, toppings, and signature sauces designed for quick-service dining.
Poulet Rouge was founded in 2012 at Galeries Joliette in Quebec, where two friends launched the concept, later expanding the brand with a third partner in 2017. The company built its identity around customizable grilled chicken bowls inspired by Mediterranean flavors and North American fast casual dining. Over time, the concept has grown into a national brand focused on accessible, made-to-order meals served in mall and street-front environments.
The company’s name translates to “Red Chicken,” with red symbolizing energy, passion, and love, values the founders say are reflected in the brand’s approach to food and service. Poulet Rouge has expanded steadily across Canada through both mall-based and standalone locations, with continued growth in the Greater Toronto Area. What Now Toronto previously reported on the brand’s expansion, including new GTA openings, such as its York location at 90 Weston Road in the Stock Yards district.
The menu is built around customization, allowing customers to choose bases such as brown rice, quinoa, bulgur wheat, or lettuce, paired with grilled chicken or vegetable fillets and a variety of sauces. Signature flavors include BBQ, Lemon, Garlic, Volcano, Spicy, and Hercules, along with sauces such as Honey Dijon, Cilantro Lime, Spicy Mayo, and Smoked Chipotle.
The concept is designed to accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, keto, and gluten-free options. This flexibility has helped Poulet Rouge build a strong customer base across multiple provinces as it continues to expand into high-traffic retail and food court environments. This will be an excellent addition to The Shops at Pickering City Center as the mall continues to evolve its dining lineup.
