MONTREAL — The Grandio Group has re-opened Moishes steakhouse in Montreal’s Quartier international. A host of talented local artisans have collaborated over the past three years to prepare for the re-opening while offering a new, contemporary ambiance that remains true to its roots and the top-quality service for which Moishes is renowned.
Founded in 1938 by Moishe Lighter, Moishes steakhouse was acquired in 2018 by the Grandio Group. Closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, this iconic business has since benefited from an investment of more than $5 million that will enable it to host more than 200 diners in a 7,000-sq.-ft. space, where they will be welcomed by a team of 80 employees.
The restaurant is divided into four rooms – a bar area, two distinct dining rooms and a private dining room – to re-create the warm, intimate ambience of the former space on boulevard Saint-Laurent. The Grandio Group designed each of the restaurant’s spaces with the collaboration of local artists to evoke the memories and traditions of Moishes, including Jason Wasserman, David Leonard Sidaway and André Monet. The new concept was created by Patty Xenos Design (PXDI), who had previously worked with Leonard Lighter, son of Moishes’ founder, on a renovation in 2011.
The restaurant’s menu retains several Eastern-European-inspired dishes from the original menu. At the same time, the menu has been re-designed by chef Murteza Talu. In addition to USDA prime beef – the highest quality of beef on the market – a variety of new dishes will be added seasonally, including fish and vegetarian dishes.
“Moishes is much more than a restaurant. It’s a unique story of courageous, authentic and passionate immigrant entrepreneurs who celebrate their roots, but are even prouder to be Montrealers. Grandio Group had both the responsibility of preserving the restaurant’s soul and cachet, and the opportunity to write the latest chapter in a story that spans 85 years. Moishes is one of Montreal’s oldest culinary institutions still in operation today, thanks to an offering whose quality has never wavered. We’re proud to contribute our expertise to its future,” says Jean Bédard, president and CEO of Grandio Group.
“The new location is dynamic, bold and very bright. Normally, this is a great asset, but our challenge was to re-create the warmth, comfort and unpretentious high-quality environment of Moishes. We chose a timeless design, through which the legend and DNA of the establishment live on. This resolutely chic venue is distinguished by its simplicity and the use of responsible materials. We have also retained original objects, such as the chandeliers and pewter ceiling tiles, as well as the butcher’s scales, which will be on display in the open kitchen,” says Patty Xenos, president and Creative director at PXDI.
