It all started with Hélicoptère. Since opening in Hochelaga, the restaurant has established itself as a landmark address in the neighbourhood, driven by a simple philosophy: eat well, drink well, without pretense. In March 2024, the team pushed open the door next door and transformed a former corner store into something unexpected. Copilote was born, with its own universe, its own menu, its own cocktails, but the same through line: the season, the care, the neighbourhood.
Chef & Founder
Trained at Bouillon Bilk, he went on to build his own culinary ecosystem in Hochelaga: Hélicoptère, Hélico, Copilote, Aube and Jungle. In 2015, a stage at Bar Tartine in San Francisco alongside chef Cortney Burns marked a decisive turning point in his culinary vision. There he embraced a philosophy that would become the guiding thread of his cooking: make everything in-house, lean on fermentation as a tool for creation and preservation, and weave direct ties with local producers — a farm-to-table approach that isn't a trend but a deep conviction felt in every plate, seasonal, generous and shared.
Head Bartender
Behind the bar since Copilote opened in 2024, Ben leads the cocktail program with a creativity rooted in the seasons. Trained at some of the best addresses in the country, including Milky Way in Montreal and [Bar name] in Toronto, he brings to Hochelaga a rare expertise and an endless curiosity.
Copilote Chef
Leading the kitchen at Copilote since 2025, François joined the Hélicoptère family in 2023. A graduate of the ITHQ and alumnus of the kitchens at Toqué, he brings to Hochelaga a sharp technical foundation and a creativity he loves to push to its limits. On the plate as at the bar, every detail matters.
Wine Director
Karolanne joined Hélicoptère in 2021 as a server before moving into the role of assistant sommelier. She is now head sommelier and purchasing manager for Hélicoptère, Hélico and Copilote. Driven by a deep passion for well-crafted wine, her palate and curiosity have quickly made her an essential voice in shaping the identity of all three projects.