Going concern

Jean Bédard, CA
Chairman, President & CEO
Sportscene Group

Company profile: founded in 1984, Sportscene group owns the quebec restaurant chain la cage aux sports, comprising 47 outlets (32 wholly or jointly owned and 15 franchises). Each year, the chain serves some 7.5 Million customers, 60% of whom are men. The company employs approximately 2,300 people, a figure that includes the restaurant network and the head office in Boucherville, just south of montreal.

Hot factor: in addition to serving meals, the spacious restaurants are equipped with giant screens and high-definition tvs that broadcast various sporting events, making it possible to entertain groups of up to 75 people, in line with the company’s “sports, gang, fun” concept. Sportscene group’s sales reached $115 million in 2007. It hopes to increase this figure to $140 million by 2011 and expand the chain to 50 restaurants in quebec by the end of 2009.

Cool projects: in 2005, this tsx venture company acquired a majority interest in Interbox, a quebec company headed by former boxer Éric lucas. Sportscene group intends to promote and develop the sport of boxing and organize boxing galas, both in montreal and internationally. In 2007, the company launched two new lines of business: catering and beer selling at festivals and public celebrations held in quebec. Bédard does not preclude other avenues for growth.

In his own words: “the restaurant business will always be the jewel in our crown. Our goal is to find activities that can enhance the La Cage aux Sports chain. What sets us apart is our casual and festive atmosphere that gives customers a break from routine. We make it possible for a janitor to sit beside a CEO without anyone feeling uncomfortable.”

Marie-Josée Boucher