A petition that describes a future Starbucks outlet near the Jean Talon Market as a “threat to the Little Italy landscape” has attracted almost 5,000 signatures in two days.
The petition, addressed to Borough Mayor Francois Croteau and the board of the Montreal Public Markets Corporation, hopes to block the impending arrival of a franchise of the popular coffee shop at Casgrain and Jean Talon.
Several people interviewed by CTV Montreal at the farmers’ market Saturday agreed with the spirit of the petition, which suggests that the market should "promote the access of locally grown agricultural produce and to honour Quebec's heritage."
“With all the Italian cafes here in Little Italy, do we need a Starbucks? I don't think so,” said one. “It will kill the whole authentic atmosphere of Jean Talon," said another.
However one nearby café owner expressed no objections to the arrival of the chain. “It's multicultural. We’re obliged to welcome everybody,” said Nicola Travaglini.
Others echoed that sentiment. “I think it’s a good thing because you’ve to keep the economy rolling,” said one. “It's a free country, you can open up anything, anywhere really, if you want,” said another.
Borough authorities and those in charge of the market were not available for comment Saturday.
