The Canadian Roasting Society: At the crossroads of Montreal's coffee culture [Watch]

There's vibrant and thriving community brewing in the CRS, a unique place to engage with coffee in ways you can’t find elsewhere in the city (or Canada).

J.P. Karwacki

J.P. Karwacki

December 8, 2023- Read time: 6 min
The Canadian Roasting Society: At the crossroads of Montreal's coffee culture [Watch]Andrew Kyres of the Canadian Roasting Society. | Photograph: Supplied

Few Montrealers’ passion for coffee can hold a candle to Andrew Kyres of the Sud-Ouest’s Canadian Roasting Society (CRS).

Sure, he'll tell you that his passion will ebb and flow, but it’s never burnt out through his two decades-long relationship with it, from working in chain cafés in early Oughts to running a preeminent space for all things coffee.

“You know how people get pursuits that are endless in terms of how you can finesse them like a skill? Coffee’s that for me, with so much new information that’s coming out all the time, new things to play and practice with.”

“There’s still so much that we don’t know about it. There are thousands of compounds flowing in there—you could study it forever. There are ceremonies to experience it and create more memorable experiences to it.”

Member-only story

Unlock Montreal’s stories. Join The Main community.

Read this story free.

Enter your email to unlock your first article and get The Bulletin — our weekly roundup of food, art, and local culture.

  • 5 free articles per month
  • Save your favourite places & guides
  • Weekly newsletter The Bulletin
  • Stay connected to Montreal culture

Become an Insider.

Join a community that supports independent Montreal stories and celebrates the people shaping its culture.

Subscribe
  • Unlimited access to all stories
  • Exclusive features & local insights
  • Special offers and event invites
  • 10% off in our shop
  • Support local storytelling

Already a member? Sign in

Related articles

The 2026 edition of Montréal en Lumière will dig deep into the city's culinary archives
The Main

The 2026 edition of Montréal en Lumière will dig deep into the city's culinary archives

This year's festival centres on "A Taste of History," with chefs revisiting 65 years of Montreal dining.

Things to do in Montreal this December
The Main

Things to do in Montreal this December

The best things to do in Montreal during December fill the calendar with ballet, punk rock, immersive art, and more than enough holiday spirit.

M for Montreal is where the whole world heard it first
Kaitlyn DiBartolo

M for Montreal is where the whole world heard it first

The festival has been turning Montreal's restless creative energy into international careers for 20 years, and it's nowhere near slowing down.

Edward Hillel's new book offers a rare then-and-now look at an iconic Montreal street
J.P. Karwacki

Edward Hillel's new book offers a rare then-and-now look at an iconic Montreal street

Nearly 40 years after his landmark book helped designate The Main as a heritage site, Edward Hillel returns with a layered portrait of memory, time, and urban change.

Éditions La Peuplade is publishing some of the world's most exciting French-language literature
Alexander Hackett

Éditions La Peuplade is publishing some of the world's most exciting French-language literature

For 20 years, the Montreal-based indie publisher has connected Quebec writers with international audiences and brought global voices to local readers.

Serving legends and locals, Chez Ménick is our unofficial sports hall of fame
Jeremy Cox

Serving legends and locals, Chez Ménick is our unofficial sports hall of fame

For 66 years, Dominique Perrazino's Plateau barbershop has been where hockey legends, Expos players, and neighbourhood regulars all gather to talk, connect, and get a trim.