After 25-years, a new generation is at the helm of St. Leon Garden.
The family-owned market has been a staple in St. Boniface for plants and produce since 1990. This year the business has sprouted new shoots as the younger generation takes over the reigns. The change comes as demand keeps growing for everything ‘local’.
“They are full of ideas,” said Lise Mulaire, former owner of St. Leon Garden.
“They are energetic. They are so enthusiastic, that it’s a wonder to look at.”
Mulaire and her husband Denis Remillard sold the business to their three children and a nephew in January. It was a huge step, but one that they took time preparing for.
“The last two years we’d been preparing the next generation and we would call them the 2.0 version,” said Mulaire.
Her youngest son Colin Remillard oversees the marketing of the business.
“We decided to go ahead and go for it and attack the beast as you would say,” said the 21-year-old Remillard.
Emphasis is placed on locally produced and grown foods. The word ‘real’ is tagged on anything that is from Manitoba.
“Right now it’s a crazy awesome season,” said Remillard.
“We have peas, beets, potatoes are coming very soon. We’ve got tomatoes growing in green houses and we have strawberries, which is the most exciting thing of all.”
Remillard’s mother still spends plenty of time at the market visiting with long-time customers. She also handles the bookkeeping. While there’s advice to share, she and husband Denis, are trying hard to step back and leave things up to the kids.
“It’s tough cause that’s your identity. You know that’s who you are,” said Mulaire.
“To suddenly not be the owner of a business is scary for sure and it’s emotional.”
But Mulaire admits it’s also very exciting.
The foursome now running the show have hit the ground running this year and according to Remillard, the timing is great.
“It’s really awesome to have this awareness at this point in time as we’re taking over of where your food comes from and the importance of encouraging local businesses and the local agricultural industry.”
As the new owners look forward to making some changes, they’re also very mindful of the core values and roots of the business.
“We have to live up to a legacy of 25 years in the business,” said Remillard.
Find out more about St. Leon Gardens.