According to a sign, Montreal Bread Company (MBCo) opens soon on the new River Renaissance development at 105 N. Water St.

Owned by Canadian Restaurant Franchises and MBCo International Inc., there are currently locations in Montreal and Toronto. The Supple Restaurant Group in the Fox Valley has the franchise rights. They also are opening a Fratello's in the same development.

MBCo is a "European culinary experience all centered on innovative meal creations," according to the "the concept" section of mbco.ca. Breakfast and lunch options are both featured. From the looks of the site, I'll expect a more upscale and more "sexy" Panera or Atlanta Bread Company-type feel and flavor. Perfect for Downtown's growing Third Ward neighborhood.

Raymond Croubalian, President of MBCo International Inc., is currently traveling but tells me he'll have more information for us next week.

Stay tuned as the ever-changing Downtown dining scene, well, continues to change.