About Chez Ma Tante

In 1929, all it took was a steam machine for Ma Tante Marguerite to create what would become a classic Montreal hot dog. Near a local butcher shop, her husband acquired an old steam machine along with a horse and carriage from a friend. Day after day, Marguerite studied that machine until inspiration struck. She began steaming hot dogs and selling them from the horse-drawn carriage at nearby train stations.

Soon, Marguerite and her husband became a familiar sight at the St-Michel/Jean-Rivard station in Montréal-Nord. Hungry workers and travelers fell in love with her simple, delicious hot dogs — and the warmth with which they were served. As demand grew, Marguerite expanded to other stations, always accompanied by her loyal horse and trusty steam machine.
As word spread, the couple upgraded to a campervan. In the early 1950s, Marguerite transformed a camper into a mobile kitchen and permanently stationed it at 3180 Rue Fleury — the very location where Chez Ma Tante still stands today. It was here that fresh, crispy fries were added to the menu, cementing the comfort-food classics still proudly served. The camper’s windows became cheerful hand-off counters, always delivering hot dogs with a smile.
Before long, Ma Tante’s legacy outgrew the camper. In 1950, Marguerite built her very own restaurant, with her home just above it. She ran the business with love, discipline, and joy, creating a place where customers felt like family.
When Marguerite retired, she entrusted Chez Ma Tante to her longtime friend and loyal partner Roger, who had stood by her side for over 40 years and faithfully carried her traditions forward.
Decades later, in the 2000s, fate stepped in through Dora’s late brother-in-law Joe (God bless his soul), a dear friend of Roger’s. He often told him:
“If you ever sell the business, sell it to my sister-in-law. She’ll keep the tradition alive.”
Without Joe, this opportunity would have never come to Dora, and for that, she is forever grateful for him.
Honoring that promise, Roger passed the torch to Dora, who has proudly run Chez Ma Tante since 2018.

Though Marguerite is no longer here in person, her spirit remains ever-present. Her warmth lives on in every corner of the restaurant — and in every hot dog served.

Our Happy Journey

90+ Years Successful

In 1929, a small horse’s carriage was all the space needed to perfect this classic Montreal hot dog. Each day, Ma Tante Marguerite and her husband would park themselves in Montréal-Nord and serve the community.

As word spread about the deliciousness of the food and the kind service, the happy couple upgraded their operation to a campervan. After swapping the vehicle’s interior for kitchen appliances, the van’s windows were repurposed for handing-off hot dogs with a smile.

Ma Tante’s legacy soon outgrew the van. In 1950, she literally cemented herself in the lives of many Montrealers by building her restaurant, and on top of it, her home. While Marguerite can no longer be found there, her legacy lives on, her smile is still warming, and her hot dogs are always salivating!

1929

1950’s

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