Ralph Wakim, man on a mission with a new food store vision

Ralph Wakim moves through his new food store Le Marché Wakim in the Galeries de Hull like an athlete, nodding to employees, taking a quick call on his cell phone, straightening merchandise on a shelf as he passes, jumping up steps two at a time on his way up to his  top floor office.

Settled inside, he talks animatedly about his passion for food and getting great food to his customers with quality service. His excitement is infectious as he points to preparations for the store’s Grand Opening, October 20, 21 and 22.

“On each one of those days, I’m having a Free Food Draw for anyone buying something from the store. The three winners, one on each day, will get a food voucher worth $250. Customers just need to put their receipt in the box for the draw.” he explains.

“Creating this new concept store has been a dream of mine for ten years,” he says with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes. “I wanted to have something like the Marché Jean-Talon in Montreal, but for Gatineau.”

“So I brought together an expert team of key food people in the region with their unique products, all in one store, at one central location.”

“For starters, we’ve got a wide selection of fruits and vegetables, both regular and organic, and one of the biggest selection of cheeses in the Outaouais,” he says.

Then he goes through a checklist of the different specialty food shops and services, all of them under the Marché Wakim umbrella: “We have William J. Walter sausages, Pastina (fresh pasta), Lapointe Fish, Boucanerie de Chelsea, Sushi Wak, Arts in Bakery, Faro Coffee, Italian Deli, large selection of cheeses, Italian Pastry (Sicilian Canolli), Artisanal Bakery, Bubble Jazz Tea and Juice Bar, Salad Bar, Hot Meals and Fresh Sandwiches, and a big selection of Micro Brewery and Wine.”

He also is excited about the news that renowned Chef Thierry Deletrez will also be featured in the store.

Ralph Wakim prides himself on having super employees, selected for their positive, upbeat attitude, to assure that the atmosphere in his store emanates good energy.

There is even a sommelier on site, and a great baker – experts in the food field who bring their expertise and tasty products to the store.

“At the Artisanal Bakery,” he points out, “you can bring us the ingredients you’d like us to include in your bread - nuts or cranberry or whatever - and we will bake it and have it ready for you the next day!”

“At the sandwich counter, as well, you can tell them what you want in your sandwich and they will make it on the spot.”

“Already, customers are telling me what a joy it is to have such a store in Gatineau, so centrally located. You can bet I’m going to give them the best there is – great customer service and quality products.” 

Then he pauses and adds, “I want this to be a One-Stop-Shop for today’s food shopper with everything you would ever need in one store!”