SWISS CHALET LEGACY

Discover the rich history and savoury traditions at Swiss Chalet that have delighted Canadian families for generations.

1950s & 1960s

The first Swiss Chalet restaurant opened at 234 Bloor Street West in Toronto in 1954

Fun facts:

We didn't serve our food with cutlery. Your server brought you a finger bowl to clean your hands.
Guests were told at the door with a sign if we had small or large chickens that day.
Our top-secret Chalet Sauce recipe was born, and quickly became a Canadian favourite!

1970s

Cara (now Recipe Unlimited Corporation) acquired Swiss Chalet

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.

1980s

Swiss Chalet added BBQ Ribs to the menu in 1982 and debuted the Festive Special in 1987

Fun facts:

Swiss Chalet opened in Florida, ready for the snowbirds!

1990s

Swiss Chalet restaurants saw new interiors/decor and the Brand got a new logo

Fun facts:

Swiss Chalet opened a location in Prague, Czech Republic in 1991.

2000s & 2010s

Swiss Chalet expanded the menu and launched grocery store products to meet the needs of modern families

Fun facts:

Welcomed Canadian AAA Rotisserie Beef to the menu.
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

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!

Catch all the action on our social media. Loads of fun prizes to be won.