1919 and 1920's
1919
Albert-Louis Van Houtte, a French immigrant, opens his first fine grocery store in Montreal and soon concentrates on his one true passion: coffee.
1920s
Maison A.L. Van Houtte quickly carves out a reputation for premium quality products. Yet as a bean lover, Albert-Louis is not satisfied: the European coffee taste he loved so much back home is now almost impossible to find. Seizing the opportunity, he travels to New York to buy a roaster from Jabez-Burns and starts roasting his own coffee at the back of his shop.
At first, customers aren’t used to this intense taste, so Albert-Louis innovates by blending light and dark roasted coffees. Thus was born Le Mélange de la maison – the Van Houtte House Blend. Customers line up to buy, and Albert-Louis Van Houtte becomes famous for his coffee.
