| Groupe Valentine Inc. | |
| Type: | Wholly owned subsidiary |
| Foundation: | in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada |
| Founder: | Jean-Pierre Robin |
| Location City: | Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada |
| Locations: | 95 |
| Area Served: | Quebec |
| Key People: | Jean-Pierre Robin, President |
| Revenue: | $29 million[1] |
| Industry: | Restaurants |
| Products: | Fast food |
| Parent: | MTY Food Group (2010–present) |
Valentine is a Canadian chain of over 100 privately owned restaurant franchises operating in the province of Quebec, Canada. In September 2010 it became a subsidiary of MTY Food Group which purchased the brand rights for $9.3 million.[2]
The first restaurant opened in 1979 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. A few years later, its founder, Jean-Pierre Robin, opened a second restaurant in Saint-Hyacinthe in order to meet the demand for its "famous hot-dogs".The chain's success increased and reached a turning point: the brothers opted for franchising as the company's mode of functioning for its future restaurants. As time passed, more franchises were sold and restaurants open throughout Quebec.[3] During the 1990s, the chain underwent a major renewal plan in which the restaurants' design changed along with the company's colours.
The company's fare is typical Canadian fast food, such as burgers, fries, sandwiches and poutine.[4] [5] The company employs humour in its advertising.[6] It offers an app that records footsteps. After 10,000 steps, the user is eligible for a poutine.[7]