Murray’s Restaurants began dishing out comfort food and cozy vibes in Canada in 1923. Starting in Montreal, this culinary icon quickly became the go-to spot for meatloaf, Jell-O, and cherished family memories. We’ve seen Murray’s expand across cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Sudbury, becoming a cultural hub that’s as Canadian as maple syrup. But even beloved institutions face challenges, and Murray’s struggled with changing tastes and financial hiccups. Despite its eventual bankruptcy, the legacy of Murray’s lives on in the hearts (and stomachs) of generations. Ready to dig into the juicy details of this tasty slice of Canadian history?
Murrays, a Canadian culinary institution, first opened its doors in 1923. Talk about a founding story that’s as Canadian as maple syrup!
Imagine this: a cozy little spot in Montreal, serving up comfort food that’d make your grandma proud. The early menu? Think meatloaf that’ll stick to your ribs and Jell-O that wiggles just right.
Over the years, Murrays expanded to become a beloved institution in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Sudbury. Its Lucerne Shopping Centre location is particularly nostalgic for many patrons.
We’re not saying Murrays invented customer loyalty, but they perfected it. Folks would return day after day, treating the place like their second home. It’s where family traditions were born, with kids dragging their parents in for that legendary steamed fruit pudding.
The cultural impact? Let’s just say Murrays wasn’t just feeding bellies; it was nourishing the soul of a nation.
Murray’s was there through it all, from supporting the troops during WWII to becoming the go-to spot for everything from first dates to retirement parties. It’s where freedom-loving Canucks could kick back, enjoy a hearty meal, and feel right at home.
Now, that’s what we call a recipe for success!
Inspiration struck like a bolt of culinary lightning when Murrays was conceived. We can almost envision the founders huddled around a table, dreaming up a place where comfort food and community intertwine. They weren’t just planning a restaurant but laying the foundation for Murray’s Legacy.
The founders knew that venue selection would be essential, so they considered factors like accessibility and parking to guarantee customer satisfaction from the start.
Take a sip in time with the exclusive Murray’s Restaurants Mug, a charming piece of Canadian history. This 11-oz ceramic mug is more than just a vessel for your coffee—it’s a tribute to the warmth and unforgettable flavors of Murray’s, the beloved institution that once graced Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Sudbury. With its colorful rim, handle, and interior, this mug adds a touch of nostalgia to your daily routine. Dishwasher—and microwave-safe, it’s perfect for…
Little did they know their brainchild would become the epicentre of Community Gatherings for generations. From first dates to family reunions, Murrays would play host to countless Nostalgic Memories. Let’s not get too misty-eyed just yet!
The idea was simple: create a haven where folks could escape the daily grind and savour a slice of Culinary Heritage. Imagine this: steaming plates of meatloaf, jiggly Jell-O, and that legendary steamed fruit pudding. Mmm, can’t you just taste the freedom?
But it wasn’t just about the grub. Employee Stories would weave into the fabric of Murrays, creating a workplace that felt more like family. Who knew slinging hash could forge such lasting bonds?
Murray’s Restaurants weren’t just about filling bellies; they were all about heart. From hosting community events to supporting troops during World War II, they were the go-to spot for everything from family reunions to casual dinners. It wasn’t just the food—though you could count on classic Canadian diner fare like Jell-O, eggs, and hearty plates—but the sense of belonging. Everyone had a story about Murray’s, whether it was a first date, a cozy afternoon tea, or a family tradition of sneaking home a bran muffin for breakfast the following day.
Our Miss Murray T-Shirt is an ode to when life was simpler, and meals were more than just food. It’s an invitation to relive those warm, nostalgic moments. Perfect for gifting or adding to your collection, this T-shirt is a must-have for anyone ever touched by the magic of Murray’s Restaurant. Add it to your wardrobe and carry a piece of history wherever you go.
Expansion wasn’t just a business move but a celebration of Canadian life. By 1937, Murray’s served over 2.6 million meals annually and employed over 1,500 workers. They even had their employee newspaper, “The Skillet,” further solidifying their place as a homegrown institution. You could walk into any Murray’s and know exactly what to expect: great food, warm service, and a comforting and familiar atmosphere.
And talk about cultural influence! Murrays wasn’t just serving food; it was dishing out a slice of Canadiana. It became a meeting place, a comfort zone, and a shared memory for countless folks.
Who knew a restaurant could be such a rebel, fighting for our freedom to enjoy a good meal?
After decades of success, the winds of change began to blow against Murray’s.
We’d love to say it was just a hiccup, but let’s face it – the decline was real. Community nostalgia couldn’t save our beloved restaurants from the harsh realities of financial mismanagement.
However, like many beloved institutions, Murray’s faced challenges. By the 1980s, shifting dining trends, financial mismanagement, and rising competition began to take their toll. While Canadians continued to crave comfort food, their palates were changing. Health-conscious choices became the norm, and Murray’s hearty fare struggled to keep pace. Efforts to modernize the menu—though noble—fell flat, and the restaurant began to lose its grip on Canadian appetites.
The final Murray’s location in Montreal, nestled in the Lucerne Shopping Centre, faced these struggles head-on. Despite nostalgic support from long-time patrons, it shuttered its doors at the end of July 2009. The closure marked the end of a storied run of more than 75 years, leaving behind a void in the hearts of its loyal customers. When it closed, its menu was reminiscent of the many other “family” style restaurants of the time, with a deli counter and less of the “diner” style, which was its unique signature.
The local economy also played its part. As mom-and-pop shops gave way to big-box stores, our loyal customers had less dough to spend on our famous steamed puddings.
And let’s not forget the shifting sands of dining culture. Suddenly, everyone was a foodie, and our comfort classics were deemed passè.
Who knew that Instagram-worthy plates would become more important than a hearty meal?
We tried to adapt, but sometimes you can’t teach an old restaurant new tricks.
Murray’s may have shut down, but its impact lingers. Whether it was a piping hot “Chicken in the Basket” or a quiet conversation over muffins, Murray’s nourished bodies and hearts. For many, Murray’s was more than just a restaurant; it symbolized warmth, family, and community.
So, while we might not be able to order a second cup of coffee at Murray’s anymore, the memories—along with a few recipes—live on, reminding us of simpler days spent in cozy booths, surrounded by the familiar hum of content diners—cheers to Murray’s, the place that brought Canada together over good food and great memories.
Murray’s signature dish was their steamed fruit pudding with white vanilla sauce. It’s been a customer favourite for decades, reflecting historical dining trends and regional influences. Their menu innovation kept us coming back for more nostalgic comfort food. You can find the genuine recipe right here on our website.
Murray’s menu evolved over the years, reflecting ingredient innovations and shifting customer preferences. Regional influences shaped their offerings, while culinary trends inspired new dishes. They’ve adapted to keep us returning, embracing our freedom to choose. In other articles, we’ll examine a menu from the 1950s, add Jon Simon’s memories of the ’70s menu, and examine the final menu from the last location.
Murray’s celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving every October. This marked the start of adding Steamed Fruit Pudding to their dessert menu, followed by the Christmas and New Year’s menus. They celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Lamb Stew, Irish Coffee, and their signature Creme de Menthe (green) ice cream parfait each year. Every spring, they added Strawberry Shortcake, while mid-summer added peach deserts. For Christmas, they served my father’s favourite, Mince Pie.
As we bid farewell to Murray’s, we’re left with a mountain of memories as tall as their famous meatloaf stack! We’ve laughed, cried, and certainly eaten our way through nine decades of Canadian comfort food history. Though the blue uniforms are now a nostalgic blur, Murray’s legacy lives on in our hearts (and maybe our waistlines). Here’s to the restaurant that fed our souls and stomachs – we’ll always have a seat at your table! The Lunch Pro has devoted an entire section to our website to food memories, and a large portion covers Murray’s nostalgia and recipes as we peruse their menu over the years.
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