Montreal Police investigate possible arson at Italian grocery store in St-Leonard
Posted April 17, 2025 10:44 am.
Last Updated April 17, 2025 5:38 pm.
The Montreal Police (SPVM) arson unit launched an investigation into a fire early Thursday at an Italian specialty store in Saint-Leonard.
The SPVM reports that the fire department was called to the blaze at Berchicci around 2:40 a.m. – on Couture Blvd., near Belmont Street.
Firefighters were able to control the fire, but had reason to believe it was criminal in nature.
“No one was injured but the fire caused major damage to the business,” SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant told CityNews.
“Due to an unexpected incident, we will be closed for the next few days,” Magasin Berchicci wrote in a social media post. “We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.”
The incident comes just a day before many Montrealers are set to celebrate the Easter long weekend.
“I’m very surprised and I was sad to hear that there was a fire here at one of our trademarks in – you can say Little Italy because we’re in Italian community here and we always purchase our stuff here for Easter or any of the special holidays,” said Rosetta Di Stasio as she got to the scene looking to shop at the store. “Sorry to hear that they’ll be closed for a couple of days. So very sad. […] I guess you’re going to have to purchase your Easter Pasqua panettone somewhere else and hopefully we can go back [soon].”
“I was surprised because I come here every second week to buy stuff, I like that they have good stuff, Italian stuff, and I was surprised when I come here. I have to go somewhere to buy product,” said 20-year plus Berchicci customer Vito Parisi outside the store on Thursday morning. “I hope everything come back normal for next week, because I need the stuff. My wife, when I go home she’s going to be surprised, ‘You don’t buy the cheese?'”
“I’m really shocked, completely shocked,” said Sonia Sagramati as she drove up to Berchicci. “I had some great intention of having some lunch and picking up either famous arancinis and supplis – and I was just about to go in. It’s very unfortunate. It’s an incredible store – Italian specialty – in our area and it’s really, really sad. I hope it will get back on track as soon as possible.”
The investigation was transferred to the SPVM arson squad.
No arrests have been made so far. An investigation is ongoing.
