History - Sugar shack Constantin

1941 @ 1947

It was during the war, more precisely in 1941, when Emile and Bernadette open the doors of their small sugar shack to the public of the great region of St Eustache and DeuxMontagnes. At the time, they could serve 20 meals at a time. They could not imagine one moment that their small wooden shack would one day, take such important proportions. In fact, it is one of the oldest maple grove of Quebec.

1947 @ 1979

In 1947, their son Fernand and his wife Jeannette not only took over but took firmly in hand, the future destiny of the family firm and this until 1979. The small family concern of the beginning undertook about fifteen extensions during Fernand’s direction. At that time, they were known as “les Enterprises Fernand Constantin. Giving of themselves completely during all these years, they didn’t spare effort or energy to make of ” Cabane à Sucre Constantin” an institution if not a model of excellence.

1970

No detail, no amelioration was left to chance. The great renown of this typical local family concern was built though constant and hard work on their part. In 1991, with the opening of a tourist’s kiosk, M. Fernand Constantin was crowned for his achievement and named Grand Ambassador of our beautiful region of St Eustache because of his smile, his welcome, his services and his qualities which insured the renown of “Cabane à Sucre Constantin”.

After making sure of the happy continuation of the family patrimony, they passed the well-kept guides to their sons Andre and Michel.

1979 @ 2000

Andre and Michel admirably assisted by their spouses Cecile and Diane, directed the family enterprise with as much professionalism and success. Six changes and expansions were made during that time. The last expansion and the most important was, without doubt, the entire reconstruction of the original sugar shack. This investment of about 1.5 million gave a new look to the enterprise in 1992. Even if the sugar shack keeps its first vocation, it now serve the population under the name “Salle de Réception Constantin”.

Thus, they can better serve their ever growing clientele with their seven air conditioned reception halls with their rustic decor and unequalled cleanliness. It his with their professionalism and turn key service that they answer the demands of their clients to celebrate weddings, hold business meetings, and gather families for all sorts of events. For the maple lovers, there is the yearly appointment to spend a “sugary” day and live with us the tradition at Famille Constantin.

During that time, Fernand always welcomed the faithful clientele with his memorable and traditional smile and this up to his last moment on this earth. Meanwhile, his warm spouse, Jeanette, religiously supervised the kitchens to ensure the continuity of the exceptional quality and the great taste of the good traditional old time recipes, which have made the Famille Constantin’s reputation. She is still present and active within the family enterprise.

2000 @ aujourd’hui

Almost ten years later, another big project is developing… the laying out of a kitchen in the basement for the expansion of our Produits D’Antan (Yesteryears Products), with a greater selection of home marinades including three basic products: fruit ketchup, beets and sour pickles. With the years, we added three new products: sweet pickles, green ketchup, dill pickles and our last addition a vegetable jardinière was added to this display of marinades. We distribute these in many grocery stores of our region.

Then, at the turn of the millennium, our company has experience what is to call a fourth blast with the debut of Michaël, Maxime, Danny and Gaby, all from the 4Th generation of Constantin who grew up in the business family. Passionate and visionary, they have completely reinvented the concept of the traditional sugar bush as we had previously known. In less than two decades, they have transformed a well-known and respectable sugar shack into a real sweet paradise, where the enchantment knows no limit, regardless of the season. The phenomenal growth of our prepared dishes, which contributed to our reputation, is a prime example. Between 2002 and 2015, we went from 30 exclusive products to more than 200 high quality culinary creations, grouped under the label of Les Produits d’Antan, which is a delight not only for people who land in our place but also for families here and abroad who buy our products all over the province. This is undoubtedly an eloquent testimony of the success of our family business. And it is because we are first and foremost a family that we understand the true meaning of the values and principles associated with it. This is why we attach so much importance to every little detail to make your visit an unforgettable experience. In recent years, a petting zoo, a dollhouse and a puppet theatre allow kids, but also adults who kept their child’s heart, to live an unforgettable moment in maple wonderland.

True leader in its field, Constantin family has become, in recent years, a must when it comes to weddings and celebrations of all kinds. By acquiring a marquee and then by including a beautiful chapel in the heart of a bucolic landscape, Constantin has established a dominant position in a world where opportunities are often endless, to the best of our dreams and aspirations.

Proud of a past that has made us what we have become, we look to the future with joy and enthusiasm. And it is with you that we are pursuing the best adventure of all!