The stories Behind the Food

travelling extensively which was difficult on his family. Around the same time, Ely had some health problems. Ely asked Manny to come join him in the business and, in 2013, Manny took over the day to day operation at the store.

Ely’s Fine Foods

Driving along Bathurst, you have no doubt seen the takeout location for Ely’s Fine Foods at 3537 Bathurst Street or, better yet, you have gone in to pick up your order. You have also probably enjoyed a bar/bat mitzvah, wedding or corporate event catered by Ely’s. Ely’s is known for their stellar food and friendly service.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ely Azulay was working as a general contractor. Unfortunately, a recession at the time forced him to close his business. Ely liked cooking and Kosher City, which was located on Steeles at the time, had a small kitchen so he decided to “play around” a little, according to his son Manny. Thankfully, consumers responded well to his offerings and in 1995 he opened up his storefront location on Bathurst. Ely’s son Manny followed in his father’s footsteps into the food business and became an executive chef. The job was rewarding but he was

Over the 28 years they have been in business, there have obviously been changes. While Ely’s started as a take-out location, they soon expanded to catering. The first shul where they were the exclusive caterer was Bnei Torah, followed by Petah Tikvah. Consumer habits have also changed. In the store, customers’ tastes have become more sophisticated and they enjoy trying different cuisines from all around the world. But in catering, for many, pricing is the driver. Although Manny notes that a portion of his clientele prefers high end cuisine. “Customers are either budget conscious, or they want to go all out,” Manny relates. “There’s no middle ground.”

What Manny likes most about running Ely’s is that it is a family affair. Manny is the head, while one of his brothers is the accountant, and yet other is in charge of marketing. All of the children and grandchildren help out in the store during the chagim and Manny’s parents are still involved as well. “My Dad still likes to tell me what I am doing wrong,” Manny laughs. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

My Zaidy’s Bakery/Pizza

When you think of the longest standing kosher establishment in Thornhill, think, My Zaidy’s. My Zaidy’s was established in 1983 in a storefront between Wilson and Lawrence. In 1985, it moved into its current location in Chabad Plaza as My Zaidy’s Bakery. Another interesting piece of kosher Toronto trivia, the original founder of My Zaidy’s was Joe Lantsman, father of current Member of Canadian Parliament representing the Thornhill region, Melissa Lantsman. Joe hired a young Israeli immigrant named Uzi Atia to help in the shop. In the early days, Uzi shares that it was quite challenging for him. The work was demanding and he didn’t speak the language. But Uzi loved soccer and began playing recreationally with a group of Italians, who he claims taught him how to speak English and make pizza.

Uzi’s foray into pizza was an interesting coincidence. One day during the early years, Joe asked Uzi to go to Mati’s Pizza for some falafel and pizza. Uzi was frustrated that it took him over 45 minutes to get his food. When he returned, he made his up his mind to expand to serving pizza and falafel and, in 1987, Uzi opened My Zaidy’s Pizza in the Sobeys plaza where it still stands today.

Over the years, Uzi has noticed changes in Toronto’s kosher landscape in the form of more kosher establishments, increased competition, and customers using social media (Uzi’s daughter helps with the social media and online areas of the business). He even notes that his relationship with COR has changed. “COR is doing better every year,” says Uzi. “I like that they have placed video cameras in my establishments because I know that My Zaidy’s Bakery and Pizza are the top in kashrut.”

What hasn’t changed is My Zaidy’s commitment to quality. And consumers have responded over the years with their loyalty. As noted by one customer, Shelly Ordon, who commented on Facebook, “I cannot recommend My Zaidy’s Bakery enough! The food is fantastic and the service is outstanding! I ordered sufganiyot for the holidays and they were not only incredibly fresh; the flavours were absolutely delicious. I went back today for a dozen more! Their selection is out of this world and worth every penny!”

Whatever they are doing, after 40 years in business, My Zaidy’s is doing it right.

Sheli’s Corp – Shlomo Esses

Shlomo Esses doesn’t just run a restaurant. He runs an empire. Over the years, Shlomo has operated a number of successful kosher restaurants in Toronto including Dairy Treats, Café Sheli, Sheli’s Burgers & Fried Chicken, Miami Grill, Bistro Grande, and Prime on Avenue. But the empire started with a chance encounter.

Shlomo had some experience in the food industry but he was looking for the right opportunity. One day he was driving on Bathurst Street when he saw a ‘for lease’ sign. He called the landlord, who “seemed nice,” and Shlomo decided that this was a good opportunity. So in 1984 he opened Dairy Treats. “This was the beginning of the era of coffee shops,” Shlomo recalls, “So we started with croissants, bourekas, cappuccino coffee and espresso.” Business started slowly and among Shlomo’s primary challenges in his early years was getting the word out and attracting new customers. But his big break came two years after he opened when the tenant in the unit next door left; Shlomo took over the space and expanded his seating. “With more space and an expanded menu our business took off,” Shlomo recalls.

Over the years, not only has the number of restaurants under Shlomo’s control increased, but the community has grown as well. Shlomo observes that people are always looking for newer places with different menus. He sees Prime on Avenue, for example, as a hip upscale location where business people can go for meetings or entertain clients. Shlomo attributes his success to always keeping up with the latest trends in the restaurant world.

Another secret to Shlomo’s success has been the support and involvement of his family. Shlomo’s wife, Miriam has always been by his side and his father joined him in running Dairy Treats. Shlomo shares that it was a particularly meaningful experience to work alongside his father and have him watch Shlomo grow as a businessman. Their relationship was so close that when Shlomo’s father decided to retire, he closed Dairy Treats.

But perhaps what makes Shlomo’s establishment unique is the loyalty of the staff who are not family members. On a visit to Café Sheli or Bistro for example, one can find wait staff or managers that have worked there for twenty years or more. “I would do anything for Shlomo,” remarks Suzy who has worked for Shlomo at a number of his establishments. “I will be loyal to him until the end.” It appears, Suzy, that kosher consumers in Toronto will too.