From father to son in LaFlor: They want to double the size of the company in 10 years

Laughlor Restaurants, founded in Quebec in the early 1950s, have quietly passed into the hands of the second generation of the Papazianis family. A newly installed team that does not hide its intentions of quickly doubling the size of the fast food chain.

“Montreal’s North Shore, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Sagune … We want to expand our presence where the population base allows us. We are not closed to any territory, including those outside the province, “he said Log George Papagianis, new CEO for the family business.

At the age of 42, the second was the son of Achilles Papacyanis, who immigrated from Greece, entering the country in 1971 at the age of 16.

After 45 years of active life, the 68-year-old entrepreneur has always had a career in fast food restaurants (Le Petit Quebec, La Belle Province and Loughlor). The hours are too long and the family must quickly learn to get their hands dirty.

“At the age of 10, I was munching potatoes on the weekends in the kitchen with my dad! Recalled the young Papazianis. Catering has always been a part of our lives.

Growth spurt

Today, having twenty years of experience in business and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Concordia University, George has agreed to accept the torch his father has given him.

“I decided to sell it first and to someone else. But what’s the point of working for the rest of our lives if there is nothing left for our children? The family is the most important thing, the father answers. George, I now believe that I can take advantage of the advice given to him throughout my life and grow the company to its full potential.

Thus the chain of 16 restaurants, all the “corporate” so far – except one – is preparing for new growth.

In addition to investing heavily in refreshing existing restaurants, the company is preparing new openings.

Will she succeed by becoming a franchisor and allowing her to share her recipe for success? Or, by acquiring existing companies across the province?

The new CEO agrees that “localization is the key to our success” and agrees in the same breath that all these options are on the table. “However, we are not yet ready to explain our game plan.”

Nationwide soon?

If all goes according to plan, the company will have 32 restaurants in ten years, doubling the current number. And who knows, maybe some will be outside the province?

This is because the company receives regular calls from investors interested in developing the chain in Ontario, Maritimes and western Alberta and British Columbia.

“When it comes to Quebec, you never know the number of outside Canadians who tell me that Laughlure is their first stop to enjoy hot dogs or poutine!”

Laughlor

• Foundation: 1951, by Denise Vinet
• Headquarters: Saint-Hubert
• Number of employees: 200