A century-old family bakery in Kamouraska

Delivering bread.

In 1890, François-Xavier Leclerc worked as a baker in Saint-Philippe-de-Néri in Kamouraska. Continuing the family tradition, his son Pierre operated a bakery in the neighbouring village of Saint-Pacôme. The whole family pitched in, with the daughters selling brioches and doughnuts in the neighbourhood and the sons delivering bread by horse-drawn cart.

In 1932, the company moved to Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, a prosperous municipality that would become a city a few years later. This explains how the Boulangerie Sainte-Anne adopted its current name, Boulangerie La Pocatière, in 1961.

Boulangerie La Pocatière in 1972.

In 1972, after several moves, the business set up shop in its current premises on 8e Avenue Richard, in a building that had formerly housed a hardware store. It also added a pastry department at that time.

Façade of the Boulangerie La Pocatière.

In 1989, Gervais, Mozart and Norma Leclerc represented the fourth generation to take over the business. When it came time to pass the torch, they found passionate people in Frédéric Léonard and Casandra Théberge, who expressed an interest in taking over the business. The sale was completed in December 2022.

The new duo of owners has brought their own character to the company, without breaking with the family tradition that has been perpetuated for four generations.

Enjoy the video interview, with its full transcript.

The Baker.

Original products are being added to those traditionally found on the store’s shelves. New pastries, new baked goods, and new artisanal breads are finding their niche and buyers. The company is increasing its partnerships with other local producers by offering a range of products in addition to bread.

Clearly, the role of the traditional baker is regaining its prestige, and local products are back in vogue.