How Gibeau Orange Julep became a Montreal icon

It is no Great Pyramid of Giza, Sydney Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral, or Burj Khalifa, but it is ours: Few structures command attention like our three-story orange sphere on Décarie Boulevard.

Gibeau Orange Julep, equal parts kitschy roadside attraction and bona fide historical relic, has been a part of Montreal since 1932, and today is known for its presence and place in our arteries as it slings its signature frothy beverage and casse-croûte fare (including some of the best poutine in the city and a reliable bet for late-night dining).

The history of Gibeau Orange Julep

Gibeau Orange Julep’s story starts in 1932 when Hermas Gibeau launched his signature drink, the Orange Julep, at an amusement park at the time: Belmont Park. The drink was a creamy, frothy concoction made with a mix of fresh-squeezed juice, powdered milk, and vanilla. The drink’s popularity quickly outgrew the park, prompting Gibeau to open a storefront near Montreal’s Old Port.