When he opened the doors of Wünderbar last October, Anthoni Jodoin wasn't just opening a new business. On the contrary, he was adding a new chapter to a story that has tied him to Plaza Saint-Hubert for almost 10 years.

Long before becoming one of the Plaza's most active entrepreneurs, Anthoni Jodoin was already an admirer. During his first visits to Montreal, when he was only 13 years old, he was fascinated by the famous arches that spanned the street and by the neighborhood's unique character. A few years later, while working as a sales representative for Belle Gueule, he regularly visited the Plaza to check out the area's bars and restaurants. Among the places that caught his eye was a space that had housed Zoo Bizarre at the time, and he fell in love with it immediately. When he acquired it, Anthoni created L'Idole, a speakeasy-style lounge bar aimed at a more niche clientele. However, he realized that this wasn't the type of bar he enjoyed creating, as he prefers a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. When his partner sold their shares, with whom he owned the Snowbird Tiki bar on Saint-Laurent, he transferred this concept to his beloved location. The Snowbird Tiki bar has now been a fixture on the Plaza since 2019.

In his eyes, the street has always had everything it takes to become a one of a kind destination, with its historic buildings, unique energy, and strong development potential. That's why he didn't stop there. Among his other projects, he opened Spaghetti Western in 2022, which is his second business on the Plaza. From the moment it opened, the bar carved out a place for itself as a prime destination for learning line dancing, riding a mechanical bull, spinning the wheel of fortune, in short, everything related to a country atmosphere.

Over the years, Anthoni and his team have developed a multitude of concepts, and all his projects share a common thread. Behind each one lies a strong identity, inspired by travel, discovery, unique objects, and a desire to create welcoming spaces where people want to spend time.

"I love to travel, discover places with a unique personality, and try to bring that energy back to Montreal." He says.

This philosophy is greatly reflected in Wünderbar, his most ambitious project to date. When the team took over the space, everything needed to be redone. There was practically nothing there. No functional kitchen, few amenities, and a lot of work to be done. True to his approach, Anthoni created the concept and much of the design himself. Inspired by the German beer halls he had visited over the years, he wanted to create a welcoming place where people could gather around large tables, enjoy a good beer, and relax in a laid-back atmosphere.

Beyond the establishments he has created, Anthoni remains deeply attached to Plaza St-Hubert itself. Having lived in the neighborhood for 15 years, he appreciates many of the businesses located there. Among his favorite spots, he mentions Marci for its ambiance and wine list, Conserva for its gourmet products and sandwiches, and Renaissance, which fulfills his desire to discover unique finds. After several projects completed over the years, Anthoni continues to see the neighborhood's potential with the same enthusiasm he had at the beginning. And while Wünderbar represents the culmination of years of ideas and inspiration, he's already hinting that other projects could soon be on the horizon. 

One thing is certain, his story with Plaza St-Hubert is far from over.