Pizzeria No. 900 Faces Closure as Outremont Theatre Renovations Loom

Pizzeria No. 900, a prominent name in Quebec’s culinary scene, may soon have to close its original location within the historic Outremont Theatre due to upcoming renovations. The city has informed co-founder Alexandre Brunet that the restaurant’s lease will end early, invoking a clause that allows for termination with six months’ notice. This closure is set to coincide with significant renovations planned for the theatre, originally expected to commence in the fall of 2026 but now pushed back to 2027.

The Outremont Theatre, a cultural landmark in Montreal, will undergo extensive renovations, which are estimated to take a minimum of 15 months. Marc-Antoine Béland, a spokesperson for the city, confirmed that the renovations are necessary to meet accessibility and construction standards. This includes upgrades to the roof, walls, windows, and interior spaces, as well as enhancements to the concert hall’s acoustics and fire prevention systems.

The impact of this decision weighs heavily on Brunet, who has dedicated years to building his brand. He began his culinary journey at the age of 14, eventually opening his first pizzeria, Pizza Stromboli, at just 22. In 2014, he and his partner Dominic Bujold launched the first Pizzeria No. 900 in the theatre’s entrance area. Since then, the chain has grown to include 34 franchises across Quebec, with two locations in France and plans for expansion in Ontario.

Despite the success, discussions with the city regarding the lease termination have been frustrating for Brunet. He claims there has been a lack of communication, stating, “I don’t know what culture means for the City of Montreal. There has been no clear explanation other than that the theatre has to be renovated.” Brunet has proposed ideas for how the space could coexist with the renovations but has yet to receive a response.

The restaurant’s popularity has been a double-edged sword for its operations. “We were a coup de cœur for many residents. It was crazy from the start. We couldn’t stay open until closing time — we ran out of dough every day,” he recalled. The high volume of customers may have contributed to the city’s decision, as the theatre’s management struggled to accommodate the bustling business.

Despite the looming closure, Pizzeria No. 900 has earned accolades that highlight its culinary prowess. Executive chef Mirko D’Agata, born in Italy, won first place in the Neapolitan Pizza category at the 2025 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, research and development chef Fiodar Huminski secured third place in the Traditional American Pizza category.

The city stresses that it does not wish to end the pizzeria’s lease and is exploring options to support the needs of the theatre’s occupants during the renovation period. “The dialogue between the city and Pizzeria No. 900 is ongoing,” Béland stated.

As the situation unfolds, Brunet remains hopeful for a resolution that will allow his beloved pizzeria to thrive alongside the essential improvements to the Outremont Theatre.