The Assaad Family Legacy
A 30+ year journey in the GTA food business, built on authenticity, hard work, and the boundless hospitality of Lebanon.
"I came to Canada with one suitcase and a dream to share the flavours that my mother made in our village in Mount Lebanon. Every dish we serve is a letter home."
Three Decades of Excellence
A Dream Takes Root
Khalil Assaad opens a small butcher's stall in Pickering's east end with nothing but his grandfather's recipes, a sharp knife, and an unshakeable belief in quality. Word spreads quickly through the Lebanese diaspora.
The Bakery is Born
Khalil's wife, Fatima, transforms a back corner into a full Lebanese bakery. Her Kunafa recipe — passed down four generations — becomes an overnight sensation. Customers drive from across the GTA every weekend.
El Gourmet Opens Its Doors
With a landmark new location at 1550 Kingston Road, El Gourmet evolves from a market stall into a full-service Lebanese destination — restaurant, butcher, bakery, and Middle Eastern grocery all under one roof.
A Legacy Expanding
Now led by the second and third generation of the Assaad family, El Gourmet serves thousands of families each week. Our Toronto Boutique is opening soon — bringing authentic Lebanese hospitality to the heart of the city.
Our Values
Authenticity
We never compromise on traditional recipes. Every spice blend, every dough, every cut follows the methods Khalil learned in his mother's kitchen in Lebanon.
Family
When you walk through our doors, you are treated like family. We remember your order, your family celebrations, and we genuinely care about your happiness.
Quality
Only the finest imported and local ingredients make it to our kitchen. Our AAA Halal meats are sourced fresh daily, and our produce is hand-selected each morning.
Meet the Family
Khalil Assaad
FOUNDER & PATRIARCH
The visionary who planted the seed. Khalil's love for Lebanese cuisine and hospitality is the heartbeat of everything we do.
George Assaad
HEAD BUTCHER & OPERATIONS
Trained under his father since age 12, George oversees our butchery and daily operations with the same meticulous standards that built El Gourmet's reputation.
Nadia Assaad
HEAD PASTRY CHEF
The guardian of Grandma Fatima's recipes. Nadia's Kunafa has been called Canada's finest and she wakes at 4 AM every day to prove it.
Come Experience It For Yourself
The best way to understand the El Gourmet story is to pull up a chair, order a plate, and let the food speak for itself.