How Chez Greenberg Became a Home Away From Home for Montreal

Creating something Montreal could call its own

The idea for Chez Greenberg began with a simple observation.

While researching concepts in New York, Greenberg was drawn to iconic institutions like Russ & Daughters. He saw an opportunity to bring a similar style of elevated Jewish food to Montreal while creating something uniquely local.

At the same time, he wanted the space itself to tell a story.Throughout Chez Greenberg, guests will find easter eggs linked to Montreal’s past. Family history, local landmarks and nostalgic details are woven into the experience, creating a sense of familiarity from the moment you walk through the door.

“I play up on nostalgia a lot,” says Greenberg. “Both sides of my family had historical institutions in Montreal. I feel like that’s ingrained in my DNA.”

That sense of history influences everything from the menu to the atmosphere, helping transform every meal into something more personal.

Letting the community lead

The original space was designed as a 400-square-foot takeout counter. Indeed, Greenberg expected much of the remaining space to be used for production, not guests.

But the community had other ideas.

They wanted somewhere to sit, stay and spend time together. Greenberg could see a bigger picture beginning to emerge, one shaped not by floorplans, but by the people walking through the door.“We really allowed the community to dictate what it is they wanted from us,” he says. “People were looking for a home. They were looking for a place to sit and go and hang out.”

That willingness to adapt helped shape the restaurant into a space that feels as much like a neighbourhood living room as it does a restaurant.

“This place is only what it is today because of the customers that walk through the door.”

Building the systems behind the experience

As the business grew, Greenberg learned an important lesson: passion can get you started, but the right systems help you scale.

“If I could give my day one self advice, it would be to get organised,” he says. “Know your business. Know your numbers.”Like many hospitality operators, Greenberg spent much of the early days focused on creating an exceptional guest experience. But as the business matured, he began investing more time into the operational side of running a successful restaurant.

That meant creating structure, building processes and finding technology that could support the team’s growth.

A partner from day one

Greenberg chose Lightspeed shortly before opening Chez Greenberg and worked closely with the team to get everything operational on a tight timeline.

At the time, he needed a solution quickly and appreciated having a team that was willing to help him get up and running.

Over the years, one thing has stood out.

The support.“Anytime I’ve run into an issue, there was always someone there on the other side to help me,” he says.

Whether it’s troubleshooting a problem remotely or connecting with local team members when needed, Greenberg values having access to people who understand both the platform and the realities of running a restaurant.

Keeping everyone on the same page

As service has evolved, the Kitchen Display System (KDS) has become one of the tools Greenberg relies on most.

Rather than relying on paper tickets or constant verbal communication, the KDS gives the team a clear visual view of what’s happening across the restaurant.

“The ability to communicate in the restaurant without actually having to say anything is huge,” he says.With multiple screens managing different products and workflows throughout the venue, staff can stay aligned and keep service moving smoothly, even during busy periods.

As a visual operator, Greenberg values being able to see everything happening in one place.

“I like to see everything all in one place.”

Exploring what’s next

As Chez Greenberg continues to grow, Greenberg is also looking at new ways to streamline communication and operations across the business.

One area he’s currently exploring is Lightspeed Tasks, which he sees as an opportunity to improve visibility around inventory management and day-to-day responsibilities.

“We’re trying to figure out ways to integrate that to better communicate to management,” he says.

For Greenberg, that’s part of the appeal of working with a platform that continues to evolve alongside his business.

“There’s a lot of tools available that we haven’t even scratched the surface with.”

“The fact that they’re building a well-rounded platform that really should and could be able to function and run your whole business is really helpful.”

A place you want to come back to

For Greenberg, balancing family life, business ownership and the demands of hospitality is an ongoing juggling act. Yet despite the long hours and constant problem-solving, he remains deeply connected to the purpose behind the business.

Creating a place where people feel welcome, where nostalgia meets community and somewhere that feels like home.And as Chez Greenberg continues to grow, Lightspeed will continue to provide the operational foundation that allows the team to focus on delivering that experience every day.

Judging by the customers who continue to fill its dining room, it’s a feeling that resonates.

As Greenberg puts it:

“This is your home away from home.”