Sam Shopsowitz Hot dog king

On my walk at Dawes Road Cemetery, Toronto, I came across the grave of Canada’s corned beef and hot dog king, Sam Shopsowitz, better known as Shopsy.

In 1921, Sam’s parents opened an ice cream parlour at 295 Spadina Avenue at Dundas Street West, and the following year they expanded to include Shopsowitz Delicatessen.

When Sam’s father passed away in 1945, the business was handed down to his sons, Sam and Izzy Shopsowitz. Together, they grew the deli into a Toronto institution, renaming it simply Shopsy’s.

It was Leaf owner Harold Ballard who encouraged Sam to open a meat-processing plant, inspired by the outstanding quality of his corned beef, and suggested producing it on a larger scale.

A very young, Mike Palmateer, former NHL goalie wearing a Shopsy’s jersey. 

Sadly, Sam suffered a stroke in 1982 and died in Toronto in September 1984. He was only 63.

1921-1984