Arhoma, a Montreal-based bakery known for its artisanal breads and pastries, has been purchased by former NFL player Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Sasha Ghavami. The bakery operates at multiple locations, including 15 Place Simon-Valois in the Hochelaga district, 6805 Ney Street in Montreal, and a factory at 1700 Ontario Street East in the Village district.
The company’s new ownership was announced via Arhoma’s Instagram account, according to the Montreal Gazette. The bakery’s previous founders, Ariane, Jérôme, and Marie, are stepping away after 19 years of operating the business. Arhoma will continue under Duvernay-Tardif and Ghavami, who are shareholders in the Le Pain dans les Voiles group. Customers can expect the same locations, products, and overall concept to remain in place following the transition.
Duvernay-Tardif, a Super Bowl champion and McGill University-trained physician, brings prior experience in the bakery industry through his involvement with Le Pain dans les Voiles. The group was founded by his parents in 2009, and he took over leadership in 2021. His background also includes medical work during the COVID-19 pandemic at a long-term care facility in Quebec, as well as a seven-season NFL career spanning 73 games.
The Arhoma acquisition adds to Duvernay-Tardif’s broader involvement in food and hospitality following his transition from professional football. Ghavami also holds a stake in the Le Pain dans les Voiles group, which continues to operate and expand within Montreal’s bakery scene. The transition follows a challenging period for the group, including a fire that previously impacted its pastry production facility.
Arhoma has built a strong presence in Montreal over nearly two decades, serving the Hochelaga, Village, and surrounding communities with a focus on fresh daily breads, pastries, and baked goods. Each location plays a different role: The Shop on Place Simon-Valois serves the Hochelaga neighborhood, the Ney Street location supports retail operations and wholesale inquiries, and The Factory on Ontario Street East serves as a production hub near downtown.
“For 19 years of nurturing and growing Arhoma, the time has come for us—Ariane, Jérôme, and Marie, its founders and co-owners—to pass the torch,” according to a recent Instagram announcement. “We are delighted to announce that Arhoma will continue its journey in the hands of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Sasha Ghavami, shareholders of the Le Pain dans les Voiles group. We made this choice with great care. Above all, we wanted to ensure that what we have built would continue with the same attention to detail, the same high standards, and the same human touch. A new chapter is opening for Arhoma, and it is incredibly exhilarating.”
