Pizzeria No. 900 Faces Closure as Outremont Theatre Undergoes Renovations

Pizzeria No. 900, a prominent name in Quebec’s culinary scene, may have to close its original location within the Outremont Theatre due to upcoming renovations. Founded by Alexandre Brunet and partner Dominic Bujold, the pizzeria has established a loyal customer base since opening its doors in 2014. The City of Montreal has informed Brunet that the restaurant’s lease will end early, utilizing a clause that allows termination with six months’ notice.

The closure is timed with significant renovations to the theatre, originally set to begin in fall 2026 but now pushed back to 2027. While the new timeline provides a slight reprieve, it leaves Pizzeria No. 900 in a state of uncertainty. Brunet, who has been passionate about pizza since he started making them at age 14, has not received clear communication from the city regarding the reasons for the lease termination.

City’s Renovation Plans Impact Pizzeria’s Future

According to Marc-Antoine Bélanger, a city spokesperson, the renovations are necessary to meet accessibility and construction standards. The extensive work will involve repairs to the roof, walls, windows, and other critical elements of the theatre. Bélanger confirmed that the theatre will need to close for at least 15 months, during which time both the venue and Pizzeria No. 900 would not be operational.

Brunet expressed his confusion and concern regarding the situation. He stated, “Honestly, I don’t know what culture means for the City of Montreal. I don’t know what their reason is; there has been no clear explanation other than that the theatre has to be renovated.” Despite the challenges, he remains open to collaboration with the city, proposing ways to improve the restaurant and share the space more effectively.

The pizzeria has enjoyed significant success, expanding to 34 franchises across Quebec, with additional locations in Ontario and France. Its executive chef, Mirko D’Agata, recently gained recognition by winning first place in the Neapolitan Pizza category at the prestigious 2025 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. This level of acclaim has only added to the pressure surrounding the restaurant’s future.

Negotiations and Community Support

Brunet acknowledges that Pizzeria No. 900’s popularity may have contributed to the difficulties with theatre operations. He recalled the early days when the restaurant frequently ran out of dough due to high demand. “It was crazy from the start. We couldn’t stay open until closing time,” he noted. This success, while a boon for the pizzeria, presented challenges for the theatre’s management.

Despite the setbacks, Brunet remains hopeful about finding a solution that benefits both the restaurant and the theatre. He has submitted several proposals to the city, aiming for a constructive dialogue. Yet, he has received no feedback, leaving him in a state of limbo regarding the future of his beloved establishment.

As the situation unfolds, both Pizzeria No. 900 and the Outremont Theatre face critical decisions that will shape their paths forward. The city emphasizes that discussions are ongoing, with the goal of addressing the needs of all involved. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the local community and the cultural landscape of Outremont.