Our History
Our History
We are proud of our origins. They have shaped the unique character of our company over time and have been the backdrop for our journey for more than 65 years. From a couple of inspiring builders, we have grown to more than 450 employees who are committed to continuing this wonderful entrepreneurial story that began in the Gaspé Peninsula.
Our story begins in 1958 when Bertrand Rioux, our founder, opened his first furniture store in Murdochville in the Gaspé Peninsula. The company had two employees: himself and his wife Mariette.
The Next Generation
One thing led to another, and throughout a career marked by success in the real estate, construction, manufacturing, and hotel industries, three generations of Rioux have carried on the torch passed down by a visionary who continues to inspire us to this day.
At RIOUX, we are first and foremost partners. Whether you want to build a career in a field you are passionate about, build the home you have been dreaming of for so long, carry out a large-scale commercial or industrial construction project, or enjoy an unforgettable stay in the Gaspé Peninsula, the RIOUX Group is the company you can always count on.
Some Milestones in our History in the Hotel Industry.
1978
Bertrand buys the Flamingo Motel on the Gulf of Mexico in Treasure Island, Florida. Mariette takes care of the motel with the help of their son François when he is not at school.
1979
Business is good in Florida, and Bertrand decides to buy a second motel, Le Vagabond, a few minutes away from the first. Mariette takes charge of this second motel, and François becomes more involved during his studies to help his mother.
1984
A group of businessmen led by Bertrand acquires the Auberge des Gouverneurs in Matane.
1987
The Matane Hotel launches a major $2 million expansion project to add a new floor to the existing hotel. A 300-seat convention centre and 24 new rooms are built.
1994
The Rioux family acquires the Château Blanc hotel in Bonaventure and the Auberge de la Montagne in Percé.
1995
The Matane Hotel adds a new 24-room pavilion to meet the growing demand since François began traveling the world in search of new international clients.
1997
Bertrand and François decide to drop the two banners they are affiliated with and create the RIÔTEL banner. The new name, coined by Bertrand, is a fusion of the name Rioux and the word hotel. The success is instantaneous, and the brand is very well accepted in Quebec.
1998
One year after the hotels' name change, a major five-year renovation program is launched to obtain an additional star in each hotel, which is achieved in the fourth year.
2003
The Riôtel Group acquires the Bonaventure sur Mer hotel in Percé, the most sought-after town by tourists in the Gaspé Peninsula, which becomes the Riôtel Percé.
2013
The third generation arrives! Marie-Frédérick Rioux joins the team as Director of the Riôtel Matane until 2017, then collaborates in the Group's business development since 2018. She will return to service from 2023 to 2025 as General Manager of the establishment. The Riôtel Matane undertakes a major $8 million renovation project over two years, transforming it into a world-class hotel, the only one of its kind in the Gaspé Peninsula. Among other additions, a new restaurant, CARGO, the Oblivio Spa, and an indoor pool are added. The work is completed in 2015, and Matane now has a world-class hotel thanks to the Riôtel.
2016
A major renovation project is undertaken at Riôtel Percé, giving it a new image and new services. A new restaurant, Paqbo, opens its doors, and the group's second Oblivio Spa is created.
2018
It is Riôtel Bonaventure's turn to undergo a facelift and welcome its new restaurant, KANO.
2022
It's a festive year for the RIOUX group as Riôtel celebrates its 25th anniversary.
2024
The company starts the year strong and solidifies its position as the leading hotel operator in the Gaspé Peninsula with the acquisition of the Hostellerie Baie-Bleue in Carleton-sur-Mer, and its Convention Center.