Completed in October 2022, Freshly Bon Jarry in Montreal shows how Dupont Blouin is transforming the grocery shopping experience.
In a delightful corner of Montreal’s Villeray – Saint-Michel – Parc-Extension borough, a revolutionary chapter in grocery shopping has unfolded with the completion of Fraîchement Bon Jarry in October 2022. This second venture by the Montreal-based fruit chain marks a continuation of its commitment to redefining the grocery store experience, following the success of its inaugural store in 2020.
The architectural brilliance behind Fraîchement Bon Jarry is attributed to the renowned Montreal firm, Dupont Blouin. Comprising the creative minds of Marie-Josée Dupont and Olivier Blouin, the firm has proven its prowess in creating harmonious spaces, seamlessly integrating nature-inspired designs with meticulous architectural finesse.
A Symphony of Light, Curves, and Color
Fraîchement Bon Jarry stands not just as a grocery store but as a meticulously designed space aimed at transforming the routine task of shopping into a delightful experience. The completion of this 1800 sq. ft. haven is a testament to Dupont Blouin’s dedication to infusing the space with light, curves, and vibrant colors.
As one steps onto Jarry Street, the exterior of the store, nestled in a typical Montreal red brick building dating back to 1935, hints at what lies within. Minimal exterior signage lets architectural details, including an art deco sculpted stone frieze and columns, stand out. Forest green aluminum door and window frames tastefully blend with the surroundings, creating an inviting entrance.
Inspired by the Freshly Good logo and the humble radish, the design concept emphasizes roundness. Instead of the conventional maze of aisles, the store features a continuous band of furniture that guides patrons through a smooth and unifying circuit. The 5-foot wide aisles enhance circulation, creating a visually calm space. Dupont Blouin’s strategic placement of refrigerators on the periphery and plywood furniture in the center optimizes every square foot of the store.
The 7 levels of shelves, forming a grid, allow for quick product identification, contributing to the clarity and simplicity of the shopping experience. The architects have successfully struck a balance between a residential aesthetic and commercial functionality. LED lighting in warmer colors creates a welcoming ambiance, while the store’s glass façade bathes the space in natural light. Large, unobstructed windows maintain a constant connection with the lively atmosphere of Jarry Street, mimicking the vibrant energy of public markets.
A Palette of Freshness: Melding Design and Functionality
The material choices within Fraîchement Bon Jarry reflect a commitment to both aesthetics and functionality. Pre-painted steel surfaces, easy to wash and maintain, are balanced by integrated wood furniture, creating a harmonious blend. The crisp color palette, ranging from soft to forest green, mirrors the freshness of the produce within.
The clear ceramic floor not only brings light into the space but is also equipped to withstand the rigors of Quebec winters, with a custom-made carpet matching the green furniture. The overall aesthetic, complemented by accent colors, contributes to the joyful atmosphere of the store, turning grocery shopping into a pleasant, even playful, experience.
Technical Excellence and Recognition
As with any architectural feat, the technical details of Fraîchement Bon Jarry speak volumes. The project, with a renovation cost of $250,000, has garnered accolades. The store received the Platinum Award in the Commercial Space/Grocery Store category at the Grands Prix du Design 16th edition.
Marie-Josée Dupont and Olivier Blouin have successfully collaborated with a team of experts. Photographer Olivier Blouin captured the essence of the design, while kitchen consultant Dupont Blouin, millworker Frank Minerva, and local lighting company Studio Botte played pivotal roles in bringing the vision to life.
With appliances from Arneg, furniture from Dupont Blouin and Clementi, and materials such as terrazzo and marble from Ciot, Fraîchement Bon Jarry stands as a testament to meticulous planning, creative vision, and technical excellence.
In the heart of Jarry Street, Fraîchement Bon Jarry is not merely a grocery store; it’s a visual symphony, a testament to the evolving landscape of neighborhood businesses, and an invitation to reimagine the act of grocery shopping. Dupont Blouin, with their refined and inviting design, ensures that Fraîchement Bon Jarry remains not just a place to shop for fresh produce but an experience to be savored.
