When it comes to iconic Canadian delis, Dunn's Famous is a name that stands out. With a history dating back to 1927, Dunn's has been serving their family recipe slow-cured marinated brisket, also known as old fashioned smoked meat, along with a range of other mouthwatering dishes. From chargrilled steaks and burgers to Montreal Poutine and homemade soups, Dunn's menu has something to satisfy every craving.
The Origins of Dunn's Smoked Meat
Dunn's Famous Deli and Steakhouse was founded in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, by Myer Dunn, an immigrant who arrived in Canada in 191In 1927, Dunn opened his first restaurant on Avenue Papineau near Avenue du Mont-Royal. However, it was in 1948 that he opened the restaurant that would become known as dunn's famous delicatessen at the corner of Avenue du Parc and Avenue du Mont-Royal.
Over the years, Dunn's Famous became renowned for its Montreal-style smoked meat, pastrami, and cheesecake. In 1955, the flagship restaurant opened its doors on 892 Saint Catherine Street West. The deli's storefront windows were famous for their stacks of large jars filled with hot banana peppers. What set Dunn's apart was its 24-hour service, a rarity for restaurants in the downtown core. In the 1970s, Dunn's Famous shifted its focus more towards Montreal-style smoked meat, gradually phasing out its promotion of pastrami.
Despite the success and popularity of Dunn's Famous, the iconic Saint Catherine Street deli closed its doors in 199However, in 2000, Dunn's grandson reopened the establishment in a larger space nearby on Metcalfe Street. Although the move was met with mixed reactions, as some loyal customers preferred the nostalgia of the old location, the new space allowed for a more comfortable dining experience.
Expansion and Franchising
While Dunn's Famous has its roots in Montreal, it has expanded beyond the city. Ina Devine, the daughter of Aideh Dunn, successfully franchised the restaurant outside of Quebec, with several locations in Ontario and one in British Columbia. However, today, only one franchise remains, located on Dalhousie Street in the Byward Market area of Ottawa.
It's worth noting that at these franchised locations, the smoked meat is not prepared in-house. Instead, it is shipped frozen from Montreal and then warmed before serving. Elliot Kligman currently owns five franchises in Quebec and also offers Dunn's brand products to retail sellers.
A Language Dispute
In 1977, the controversial Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101, became law in Quebec. This led to the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) taking action against Dunn's and other stores that sold imported kosher goods, as they did not meet the labeling requirements. The Jewish community perceived this action as unfair targeting and antisemitism.
In addition to the labeling dispute, Dunn's also faced trouble with the OQLF for having the English words smoked meat displayed on their sign. The OQLF, along with other well-known delicatessens, wanted the name changed to boeuf mariné to comply with Quebec Language Law. However, Dunn's and others successfully fought this ruling, arguing that it would confuse and anger customers. The ruling was won by appeal, and as a result, smoked meat became an accepted term in both English and French.
Experience the Rich Tradition of Dunn's Smoked Meat
Today, Dunn's Famous continues to serve their delicious smoked meat and other delectable dishes to locals and visitors alike. Whether you're in Montreal or Ottawa, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Dunn's slow-cured marinated brisket, prepared using their proprietary blend of spices and marinated for six days to lock in the smoky flavor.
With a history spanning nearly a century, Dunn's Famous has become a beloved institution in the Canadian culinary scene. So why not indulge in a plate of their famous smoked meat and experience the rich tradition for yourself?
If you want to know other articles similar to Discover the rich history of dunn's smoked meat you can visit the Food category.
Related Articles