where did smokes poutinerie start
Smoke's Poutinerie is a Canadian nationwide poutine franchise founded by entrepreneur Ryan Smolkin. Founded in Toronto in 2008, its premiere location was the first poutine-exclusive restaurant in that town. Smolkin was inspired by Montreal restaurant La Banquise, which serves many different kinds of poutine. Smolkin frequents La Banquise whenever he visits Montreal.
Rob and Natalie Buckel are owners of the Smokeâs Poutinerie Pawn Plaza location and are longtime locals. Rob is a military veteran and a cancer survivor, and Natalie grew up a few blocks from the Strip. They are one of the first three tenants of the new Pawn Plaza. Ryan Smolkin started his Smokeâs Poutinerie restaurant empire about five years ago and already has 100 locations across Canada, with plans to open 35 more by September.