Montreal businesses rally behind Arthurs after OQLF language complaint

Arthurs Nosh Bar on Notre-Dame Street in Saint-Henri received a complaint from Quebec's language watchdog over the word "nosh" in its restaurant window — and the response from neighboring businesses has been swift.

Corey Shapiro, owner of Vintage Frames two blocks away, spray-painted "NOSH" across his storefront window in solidarity with Arthurs. "We stand with the homies @arthursmtl, and every Montreal business English or French should too. We all live in this beautiful city together, don't let them try to divide us based on the languages we speak," Shapiro wrote on Instagram.

The complaint came from the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) because "nosh" — a Yiddish term meaning to snack or enjoy a light meal — is not French. Under Bill 96 regulations that took effect last June, French must be strongly predominant on all signs, with French text generally occupying at least twice the space of any other language.

Co-owner Raegan Steinberg explained that because "Arthurs" is a proper name, the OQLF counted only "nosh" and "bar," meaning non-French words made up 50 percent of the signage instead of the required 75 percent compliance.

Other businesses have joined the support. Mandy's Salads posted "Falafel. Taco. Dim sum. Gelato. Satay. Souvlaki. Nosh" on its window, celebrating food words that have crossed borders and generations. Chef David McMillan wrote "nosh" on the door of his restaurant Grille-Nature in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Lahmajoune, a Villeray bakery, also showed solidarity after receiving its own OQLF complaint for TikTok posts.

The OQLF did not comment on Arthurs' case specifically, but a spokesperson told CityNews the law makes no exceptions. "The Office's mission is to ensure compliance with the Charter, guaranteeing the right of Quebecers to live, work, access information, and receive services in French," said François Laberge.