Sofia Cafe, a new independent coffee shop described as a welcoming space inspired by friendship and comfort, plans to open in Trois-Rivières in Fall 2026.
The project is led by four friends: Mathilde, Thomas, Sofia, and William, who recently announced their plans on Instagram. The cafe will be located in the brand new AERA building, a development that includes over 190 housing units and is situated near the hospital, a radiology center, a high school, a college, and several residential neighborhoods. Co-owner Thomas Bergeron tells What Now Montreal that the location offers a unique opportunity, as there are currently no other cafes in the immediate area.
“Behind Sofia Cafe is the story of four great friends and a common dream: to open a cafe where it feels like home,” the team wrote in a recent Instagram post.
That dream began to take shape after Sofia and Thomas spent a year working in a cafe in Australia, an experience that inspired their vision. Mathilde and William, already involved in their own entrepreneurial ventures, share a passion for high-quality coffee, frequently exploring cafes from Montreal to Amsterdam. The idea for Sofia Cafe was born during a casual dinner among friends, where a joke quickly turned into a shared goal.
The cafe’s name is a nod to co-founder Sofia Marin Osorno, who is originally from Colombia. The team hopes to bring a touch of her culture to the space, along with inspiration from the kinds of cafes found in Montreal, something they feel Trois-Rivières currently lacks.
Menu details are beginning to take shape. Sofia Cafe will offer specialty coffee alongside a full range of classic drinks such as matcha, hot chocolate, and chai, with personalized touches like seasonal options. On the food side, the menu will include in-house sandwiches, comforting soups perfect for winter, and fresh salads. A variety of pastries will also be available.
“What’s better than eating grilled cheese with tomato soup and a nice hot chocolate on a stormy January day?” co-owner Thomas Bergeron tells What Now Montreal.
The team believes the atmosphere at Sofia Cafe will be its strongest asset, aiming to create a warm and welcoming environment that feels like home. The entire design of the space has been led by Mathilde through her own design firm, M Ton Interieur, ensuring a cohesive and thoughtfully curated interior.
This will be the first collective business venture for the four co-founders. More updates, including behind-the-scenes progress and official announcements, will be shared via the cafe’s Instagram page in the months leading up to the opening.
