By: Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/9/2021 (243 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A family business with decades-long roots in Weston has been acknowledged for its commitment to the neighbourhood.
Cantor's Quality Meats and Groceries at 1445 Logan Ave., is on the corner of Quelch Street, which was given the honorary title of Cantor Way at an unveiling ceremony Friday.
JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Ed Cantor, owner of Cantor's Quality Meats and Groceries, with Coun. Vivian Santos at the unveiling ceremony of Cantor Way Friday.
"Cantor continues to be a community hub… bringing people together through their quality products and exceptional customer service," said Coun. Vivian Santos, whose ward encompasses the area.
The Cantor family made their home in Winnipeg when Edward and Sarah Cantor immigrated from Poland in the 1920s. They then began a three-generation family business that sold everything from buttons and thread to farmers, to chickens and eggs door-to-door. When Edward died in 1944, Sarah and her twin sons, Joe and Oscar, took over the business and expanded into meat sales. In the 78 years since then, Cantor’s Meats has become a Winnipeg staple. It has nearly 60 employees in its 13,000-square-feet store.
"Their story is one that Winnipeggers are very proud of," said Coun. Devi Sharma. "It’s full of so much warmth and inspiration, a hard work ethic and a strong commitment to their employees and customers."
Ed Cantor, the son of Joe Cantor who has owned the store since 1981, thanked his staff for continuing to work throughout a pandemic "sometimes scared, but mostly happy to be here and do their jobs."
"I’m sure my grandmother Sarah never envisioned in 1943 when she moved Cantor’s grocery from Dufferin Avenue to 2202 Gallagher Ave. that we would continue to thrive, to grow, to expand," he said.
The business has thrived, in part, by providing credit accounts for shoppers; it was the first to offer home delivery.
"Definitely within the inner-city… there’s a lot of issues when it comes to food protection and the lack of available fresh food," Santos said. "It’s so important to support local (grocery stores) that can solve some of the food deserts we have, the little pockets and areas."
Many residents may not be able to afford fresh food or transportation.
"That’s why it’s so important to support local businesses, so they can either or walk or bike and get their groceries on the way home," she said.
The honorary title Cantor Way will remain in place for five years.
malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca
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