AUTUMN, a new market-driven restaurant concept focused on seasonal cuisine and regional products, is preparing to open in Chicoutimi at Hôtel Château Cran Chaud at 240 Rue Bossé.
The new restaurant is set to move into the former home of Café du Presbytère, according to Informe Affaires. The project was created through a partnership among Sam Pinard, Natacha Fortin, and the Château Cran Chaud hotel team, with the first customers expected to begin on June 12. Approximately $80,000 was invested into renovations covering the kitchen, décor, furniture, and bar area, while existing restaurant equipment from the previous concept helped simplify the buildout. Customers can expect shareable dishes, takeaway options, local grocery items, and seasonal menus that will evolve weekly.
AUTUMN also marks Sam Pinard’s return to the restaurant industry following his time as chef and co-owner of the Montreal restaurant La Salle à Manger. According to the report, the collaboration behind the new concept developed naturally through a shared entrepreneurial vision and a longtime friendship between the partners. The restaurant will operate within the garden area of Château Cran Chaud, creating an outdoor-centered dining experience during the summer months.
The concept will focus heavily on market-style cuisine built around local sourcing and seasonal ingredients from regional producers. In addition to dine-in service, the restaurant plans to feature large picnic tables for group dining and communal meals. A small grocery section will also offer processed products from Ferme du Ranch à Pinard, alongside other items sourced entirely from the Saguenay region.
AUTUMN is expected to create between six and eight jobs during the summer season. BTS Construction handled the renovation work for the project, helping prepare the former Café du Presbytère space for its new concept and layout. Planned summer programming will include pizza oven nights and Argentinian BBQ evenings intended to draw additional activity to the property.
This will be an excellent landing space for AUTUMN, given the restaurant’s downtown Chicoutimi location and its connection to Hôtel Château Cran Chaud. The team behind the project hopes the concept will help bring additional energy to the area while creating a new culinary gathering place centered around local food, seasonal cooking, and regional products.
