The first Swiss Chalet® restaurant opened at 234 Bloor Street West in Toronto in 1954
Fun facts:
Our founder was inspired by the Swiss method of cooking chickens, roasting chickens on a spit over an open flame.
Our first location on Bloor Street featured exposed-beam ceilings in the "Chalet" style, carved dark-wood paneling, wooden ceiling beams, and windows with frilly curtains.
Our top-secret Chalet Sauce recipe was born, and quickly became a Canadian favourite!
We didn't serve our food with cutlery! Your server brought you a finger bowl to clean your hands.
We had a sign at the door, telling Guests whether we had small or large chickens that day.
1970s
Delivery Arrived! Canadians could now get Swiss Chalet® delivered to their doorstep
Fun facts:
Delivery was done out of the restaurant office. A hostess answered the phone, and wrote the order down by hand.
Swiss Chalet® opened in Rochester and Buffalo in 1973 & in Egypt in 1978.
Swiss Chalet® expanded the menu and brought our family favourites to a grocery store near you
Fun facts:
Welcomed Canadian AAA Rotisserie Beef to the menu.
We tested other new menu items like Chicken Stir Fry, Quesadilla, even All-You-Can-Eat Fries!
Swiss Chalet® Smoky BBQ Back Ribs claimed #1 spot in the category across grocery stores in Canada.
Brand Mascot 'Dippy' became part of the Swiss Chalet® family.
2020s
Launched Chicken Strips in grocery stores and became the first restaurant brand in this category.
Swiss Chalet® continues to open new restaurants and renovate beloved locations, to continue to serve Canadians for many years to come!
70 Years!
We’re celebrating 70 years of Canadian heritage, delicious comfort food, Chalet Hospitality, treasured memories, and so much more. Here’s to the next 70!