Heated Rivalry Star Sophie Nélisse Makes Special Visit to St-Viateur Bagel in Montreal
Sophie Nélisse, the acclaimed actress from the hit series Heated Rivalry, paid a memorable visit to St-Viateur Bagel over the weekend. The Montreal-born star stopped by the beloved bagel shop to sign the now-iconic blue shirt that her character, Rose Landry, famously wears on the show. This visit came after the shirt gained viral attention, creating a buzz both locally and among fans of the series.
A Viral Moment Turns into a Local Celebration
The bagel shop shared the exciting news on their Instagram page, posting a photo of the signed shirt along with a heartfelt caption. "Thank you, @sophie__nelisse, for your visit and for taking the time to graciously take photos with our customers and team during your visit to our café, while rocking the iconic blue tee worn as Rose Landry in the hit series @heatedrivalrycrave," the post read. The signed shirt featured a personal note from Nélisse that said, "best team and best bagels in the city," adding a touch of local charm to the occasion.
Nélisse responded enthusiastically to the post, commenting in all-caps "TEAM ST-VIATEUR," showcasing her support for the Montreal establishment. According to general manager Nicolo Piazza, the actress visited the Mont-Royal Ave. E. location on Saturday afternoon to enjoy lunch with friends, making it a casual yet significant stop for both her and the shop.
Positive Feedback and Boost in Sales
The appearance of the St-Viateur Bagel shirt on Heated Rivalry has generated considerable positive feedback from the community. Piazza noted that locals appreciate supporting a homegrown brand, while tourists have been drawn to the shop after recognizing the shirt from the show. "We've received positive feedback from the local community, who appreciate supporting a local brand," Piazza explained. "The shirt has also caught the eye of tourists who come in and recognize it from the show."
This exposure has translated into tangible benefits for the business. Ben Choquette, the marketing manager at St-Viateur Bagel, reported a significant increase in merchandise sales, particularly T-shirts, both in-store and online. "We've seen a significant increase in merchandise sales — particularly our T-shirts — both in-store and through our online shop for customers outside the city in the last month," Choquette said. He added that while it's challenging to measure the exact impact, more customers are mentioning the show to staff, and some visit specifically to purchase the merchandise.
The Impact of Heated Rivalry's Success
Heated Rivalry, a Canadian-made show created by Montreal native Jacob Tierney, has achieved remarkable success, turning its cast into recognizable stars. Nélisse expressed surprise at the show's overnight popularity, stating in a recent interview, "I don't think any of us expected this overnight success. That's definitely not why I did the show." She praised the supportive environment on set, calling it one of the best experiences of her career.
With Tierney currently writing the second season, Nélisse hinted that her character, Rose, might play an expanded role. "People root for Rose and she's a great ally of the (LGBTQ) community," she told The Gazette. "So I was excited to play her but never with any expectation of the success the show has had."
For St-Viateur Bagel, having a local star like Nélisse wear their shirt on a popular series has been a delightful bonus. Choquette described it as "the cherry on top," highlighting how this organic promotion has strengthened the shop's connection with both Montreal residents and a broader audience. This visit not only celebrates the intersection of entertainment and local business but also underscores the power of community support in the digital age.
